Former IAFF Trustee James Neelon Dies

November 16, 2007 – The IAFF is sad to report that former IAFF Trustee and Cleveland, OH Local 93 President James Neelon, 89, has died.

Neelon was born in 1918 in Cleveland and served in the United States Army for two years before joining the fire department.

He was elected president of Local 93 in 1966, a position he held until 1970. During his tenure, he commanded fire fighting operations in the infamous Hough and Glenville riots. Neelon later advocated for more protection devices based on his experiences with those riots.

Neelon was also recognized on the International level when he was appointed IAFF trustee for the eastern region in 1970. He held that position until 1980.

The former IAFF leader was laid to rest November 14, 2007, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Willoughby, Ohio.

He is survived by his daughters Geraldine White, Mary Ann Yano and Noreen Turk; sons James and Thomas; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister. His wife, Mary, died in 1980.