James O'Neill Jr.
1929 - 2002
Next to his senior class photo in the 1947 yearbook there was a prediction: “We who know him well, for his Irish wit, his talent and his friendly way, are sure he will succeed.” And succeed James O’Neill did.
Born in Saginaw and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School, O’Neill received a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He then started his career in education as a high school teacher in Hemlock, Michigan, then as a principal of Hemlock Elementary School in 1957.
In 1966 O’Neill was elected to the Michigan State House and served for 28 years with his retirement in 1994. His longtime quest was to reform the way Michigan financed public schools, calling for funding equity, especially for the disadvantaged. In his final year of service, he saw the goal reached with the passage of Proposal A which established per student “foundation grants” from the state.
O’Neill was also a longtime member of the House Appropriation Committee when he worked well with people on both sides of the aisle. He was a major supporter of Saginaw Valley State University assisting in landing state funds for the university’s expansion.
James E. O’Neill Jr. spent more than a quarter century as Saginaw’s representative in Lansing. He retired from the Michigan House in 1994. He decided to conclude his career when term limits started. His ability to work with Republicans and Democrats was an example that should be followed to this day. He and Representative Mike Busch from Saginaw Township regularly commuted to Lansing together.
O’Neill is remembered for his deep dedication to education at many levels. He never lost faith in Saginaw County’s ability to survive and grow stronger, and he lived long enough to see some of its promises come true.
O’Neill’s spirit of cooperation and devotion to those principles are not always present in the public sphere today.
Inducted into the Saginaw County Hall of Fame in 2014.