Palace (Pat) James Neely, Jr., lovingly known as Pat, PJ, and Cappy, who rose in the maritime industry to become President of the American Pilots Association, passed away on November 15, 2025.

He was born on January 10, 1926, in Clinton, Texas, and raised in a close-knit railroad community where his father, Palace James Neely, worked. At just six years old, PJ experienced the loss of his mother, Lee Finch Neely. His father later married Willie Lovell, who lovingly welcomed PJ's half-brother, Paul Neely, into the family.

PJ often said that his greatest accomplishment in life was his 65-year marriage to the love of his life, Geraldine "Jerry" Wiggins Neely who he met on Halloween at a scavenger hunt. Together, they built a family he treasured deeply – their son Mason, daughter Vicki, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. His devotion to them was unwavering, and he carried immense pride in each generation that followed him.

During his high school days in Houston, PJ earned straight A's while working two jobs. A Varsity football letterman who played both defense and offense, he was named the Houston Ironman of the Year for playing every down of every game his senior year in high school. Three days after joining the U.S. Navy, he learned he received a scholarship to Harvard University. His patriotism and selflessness steered him to the Navy.

Despite humble beginnings, PJ's determination and character led him to become one of the most respected leaders in the global maritime industry. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he began his career in the tugboat industry before becoming a Houston Pilot. From 1968 to 1970, he served as Presiding Officer of the Houston Pilots, earning admiration for his leadership and vision.

In 1978, PJ was elected President of the American Pilots Association in Washington, D.C., a position he held with distinction until 1992. During that time, he also served as Vice President of the International Maritime Pilots Association, contributing to advancements in trade, maritime safety, and pilotage worldwide.

Despite the demands of a high-profile position that took PJ and Jerry all over the world, they cherished family, faith, fun and friends. He was happiest fishing in Rockport with their best friends, Annie and Robert Adams, who introduced him to his future son-in-law and protege, Fred Wilkerson. He preferred a pool or a hot tub with a Scotch to the fancy events. He was as proud of his garden and cherry trees' production as his professional accomplishments. One of his mottos was, "Life is short. Eat dessert first."

After retiring, PJ and Jerry moved to Portland, Texas, to be near family. They quickly became pillars of the Coastal Bend community. As active leaders in the Shriners Temple and Daughters of the Nile, they dedicated themselves to service. Lifelong Methodists, they faithfully served at the United Methodist Church of Portland. Their commitment to their community extended further as they supported a family friend's successful bid for State Legislature. They were a constant and loving presence at their youngest granddaughter's school events and extracurricular activities which brought them immense joy. Additionally, they hosted the best parties.

PJ and Jerry later spent cherished years in Concan, Texas, enjoying the peace and beauty of the Hill Country. After Jerry's passing, PJ and his beloved dog, Coco, returned to Portland, where he continued to lead and serve. True to form, he remained engaged and influential, holding the title of President of the Brookdale Resident's Council – a role he embraced with pride and humor, referring to it as his "president status" leading the "my monthly meeting."

He is survived by his son Mason Neely (Beverly), daughter Vicki Wilkerson (Fred), grandchildren Laura Ross (Mark), Dale Neely (Kim), Holly Priestner (Kevin), and great-grandchildren Meredith Lesieur (Jonathan), and Haley, Katherine, and Mason Neely, his half-brother Paul Neely (Glenda "Jo") and Paul's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also leaves behind Lisa Townshend and the American Pilots Association members, "his blondes," and numerous family and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for his loving and dedicated caretaker Lucy Rau, Brookdale in Northshore, Rockport Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Harbor Hospice, especially Angela Casanova, for helping to maintain a joyful and loving environment as PJ neared the end of life.

Through every chapter of his 99 years, PJ embodied loyalty, resilience, service, and love. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the maritime industry he helped shape, and the countless people whose lives were made better by knowing him.

To honor PJ's 99 years of faith and service to others, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: First United Methodist Church in Portland's Building Fund, https://fumcportland.breezechms.com/give/online OR Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give