Obituary of James O’Neil Ecklar

James O’Neil Ecklar, 64, of Palm Bay, FL, died peacefully on October 8, 2014. He was born February 25, 1950 in MI. He then moved to RI where he was raised by his mother and step-father, Loretta (Moreau) and Eugene Burrill. As a teen James was a rescue scuba driver for the Washington Fire Department in Washington, RI before he was called to serve in the Vietnam War from 1967-1970. After the military James worked as a ship welder in Jamestown, RI. He was a life long member of the D.A.V. and an active member of the Disabled American War Vets, Chapter 325 in RI. James spent his off time enjoying gardening, camping, coin collecting and spending time with his family. James is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; children, Angel McLaughlin, David Ecklar, Jessica Snow, and Nicole Ecklar; step-children, Dereck Stovall and Lori Moreira; siblings, John Ecklar, George Ecklar , Jr. and Elizabeth Lemoine; 11 grandchildren and 6 nieces. He was preceded in death my his father, George V. Ecklar, Sr.; his mother, Loretta and his nephew, Scott Ecklar. James will be sorely missed by all. Services are planned for Saturday, October 18th at the Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main St., East Greenwich, RI with calling hours from 4-7 p.m. and funeral service at 7 p.m. A military honored interment will be at a later date at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI. Arrangements by Ammen Family Cremation & Funeral Care, Melbourne, FL, 321-724-2222.