What's Your Favorite?
Like many people, Springfield Mayor Jim O’Neal married his high-school sweetheart, Debbie. Unlike most people, however, O’Neal did it while he was still in high school. They weren’t even seniors. O’Neal was a junior and Debbie was a sophomore at Glendale High School. When asked if it was difficult to choose whom to take to dances, O’Neal responds in his matter-of-fact way, “It would have been very difficult to make a change.”
The couple has remained the same, adding four children and four more grandchildren. O’Neal spends time considering things before making decisions even in everyday conversation. And as evidenced by his marital decision, the deliberation usually proves to be wisdom. “My life has not been one of radical change,” says O’Neal. He is still working at O and S Trucking, which he started in 1981. Just like his family, it has grown from the early days. “I didn’t really go into it with the idea that it’s going to grow into a $70 million business,” says O’Neal. “During the ’90s, there was the ability to expand rapidly. I think it’s going to last longer than I do.”
Local politics is a bit of a different animal. It takes additional time and commitment on top of career ambitions, so O’Neal has done it differently. He is back on council after taking 15 years off from his original stint. This time, he was elected mayor. “I probably did not appreciate the significance of the difference,” explains O’Neal. “The mayor is looked upon in the city in a leadership role.” Yet, it’s the others on council that O’Neal points to. “This group of eight other people,” says O’Neal. “I just couldn’t ask for better people to be associated with.”
What's Your Favorite...
Odd trucking term?
“Dead head and fifth wheel. There’s a whole vernacular in trucking.”
Thing about Springfield?
“How it’s perceived by people who come here. A disproportionate number of people love this town when they come here, and they want to move here. If you live here, you pretty much want to stay here. There’s a sense of community.”
Home remedy?
“Warm saltwater.”
Way to exercise?
“With a personal trainer.”
Phil Collins song?
“I saw him in concert. ‘In the Air Tonight.’”
Ratio of cotton/polyester blend?
“75-percent-plus cotton”
Thing about council meetings?
“That we keep it as light as possible and we have a sense of humor.”
Thing about Ireland?
“We went to Ireland. I just love the scenic wonder of it.”
Quirk about another person on city council?
“Dan Chiles has a real quirky handshake. He grabs your hand and he jumps up and down and shakes it.”
Truck stop?
“I really haven’t been to that many. There’s a real nice Petro in Joplin.”
CB handle?
“Mother Trucker”
Thing you’ve done on council so far?
“I got to watch and then speak to about 40 people who became naturalized citizens at the ceremony.”
Challenge for the city?
“2010 Year of Caring volunteer project. It has so much potential.”
Winter activity?
“Traveling to the Caribbean. We like St. Martin awfully well.”
Mystery Meets
Jeff Houghton will interview Jim O’Neal on December 4 on The Mystery Hour, Jeff’s monthly talk show presented by The Skinny Improv, 301 Park Central East. Visit theskinnyimprov.com or call 417-831-5233 for info and tickets.
