James Paul Neaton, age 100 of Watertown, Minnesota passed away on Thursday July 4, 2019. He was born October 9, 1918 to Michael and Bridget (Burns) Neaton in Watertown, Minnesota.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Watertown and  member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was born on the Original Neaton homestead in Watertown Township and took over the family farm in 1954. Jim was active in the Farmers Union. In 1976 he was elected president of the Carver County Farmers Union and served as president or vice president of the local chapter for many years. An early adopter of environmentally friendly farming practices, he was active in the Carver County Soil & Water Conservation district and was named Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1978.  Jim was an active member of the DFL party,  often representing the area at district and state conventions. He most enjoyed being with his family and friends, and if there was a heated political discussion involved, that was the icing on the cake. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and accomplished story teller.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Monica; son Tom Gallus; parents Michael and Bridget Neaton; siblings: Mary Kosel, Ed Neaton, Eileen Campbell, Joe Neaton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Cy Kosel, Francis Campbell, Art Borer, Tom Kuka, Don Speckel, Archie Kuka, Joe Kuka, Mary Neaton and Ann Neaton.

He is survived by his children Bridget (Breeze) Neaton, Gerry Gallus, Steve (Amy) Gallus, Bob (Gail) Gallus, Terry Gallus; Eight grandchildren: Tyler Gallus, Cora (Cody) Hoffman, Jen (Oscar) Gallus, Alex Gallus, David (Sarah) Gallus, Josh Gallus, Zac Gallus, Ben Gallus; sister Jane Borer; sisters-in-law Jo Neaton, Mary Speckel, Marion Kuka, and Mary Ann Kuka; four generations of nieces and nephews; and innumerable friends and neighbors.

Mass of Christian Burial took place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11^th at Immaculate Conception Church in Watertown. Visitation was from 4–8 p.m.Wednesday and continued Thursday, from 10-11 a.m. all at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment was in the church cemetery.