John G. Neima

John G. Neima, 87, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Providence Hospital.

Graveside services with Army Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 Fort Hood St. State Hwy 195, Killeen, TX 76542, with Pastor Jeff Wyers officiating. A memorial service will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Tree Lake Baptist Church, 11519 China Spring Rd, Waco, TX 76708, with a reception dinner following.

On March 17, 1937, John (Jack) was born in Fargo, North Dakota, to the late John George and Anna Mae (Morrison) Neima. John later attended New York University, where he earned a master’s degree. He was a member of Tree Lake Baptist Church in Waco.

John says in his obituary, “I want to thank everyone for your contributions to my life. I have had a wonderful life with more than my share of adventures, travel, and blessings. I have encountered many teachers, some who had no idea that's what they were. All of them were valued by me, and I was thankful for their lessons. As a kid, I discovered learning and was fascinated by all the wonderful different subjects and knowledge to explore—an interest I have kept going throughout my life. An obituary says I was born in North Dakota in 1937—a sad event when my mother died soon after, but it was also the start of a new adventure.

The high point of my destiny came in 1984 when I came to Waco to work with SMI because it was there, I met Mei. I would take my clients to lunch at her restaurant, which had excellent Chinese food. I was fortunate because we married in 1991, and Mei took me through the process of becoming her husband...being housebroken is a more realistic term. Being married to the finest person I have ever imagined—perfect for me in every way—and God had a plan for matching us, and I think I was good for her too.

A great accomplishment came in 1999 when I was asked to become Pastor of Buffalo River Indian Baptist Church. I realized that God was using my talents and abilities to have an impact on that group in the last years of my life. It was greater than anything I ever could have done. I have loved all of them and am thankful, as their pastor, for the group. They have helped me reach for the best I can do for them. All my life experiences prepared me for this job perfectly; God had a plan.

I left the insurance agency in 2012 and started a radio program in 2014. Dr. Larry Gilmore joined me, and in 2016 we added Dr. Robert Franklin. Those two have added much to the program. The radio program has generated many friends and covered a lot of the world.

During my years, I have made good friends, met amazing people, and worked with wonderful folks. I love them all and thank them all. I have made a lot of mistakes, suffered defeats, and celebrated victories, but I am thankful for all.

My last assignment from God was to volunteer at Providence Hospital, doing Sunshine Cart, visiting, and showing a little sunshine to patients. Thank you to all the volunteers.

Thank God for all the days you have been given and the people you have encountered...because that's your real life. So, live your adventure. God bless y’all, and Mei.”

John was preceded in death by his father, John George Neima; mother, Anna Mae (Morrison) Neima; brother, Lawrence G. Neima; and sister, Helen M. Nall.

He is survived by his wife, Meifeng Neima; son, Eric Serna; daughter, April Serna; niece, Terry Lemaich and husband, Richard Lemaich, and their son, Ramsey Lemaich, in California; grandkids: father, Christopher Hanchard; granddaughter, Kaleigh Hanchard, Isabella Hanchard; and grandson, Ricky Bryan Jr., in Waco; and many friends.

Memorials may be made to Tree Lake Baptist Church or Providence Foundation.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in John’s “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.