My heart is so heavy. I met Neil a few years ago flying the triple seven at American Airlines. We flew numerous trips, mostly to Doha but we had a career memorable flight flying home the 82nd airborne after they safely helped 120,000 civilians from Afghanistan find safe refuge. We had a silly time after opening up the many cabinets on that huge aircraft, Neil stuffed his suitcase with biscuits we found for his kids school lunches. This past April, Neil was a passenger on my Delhi flight on his way to pickup the Air India 747 from Mumbai! When we landed we enjoyed dinner, a few drinks, stories and many laughs. I was looking forward to flying with him again. I could say, I had a life crush on Neil, he seemed to have a grasp on everything that makes one happy and successful in life and a truly contagious smile as well. I will miss him. To his family and friends, I am so deeply sorry for your heartbreak. 💔

Posted by Celeste on October 24, 2024

I interviewed with Neil for American Airlines. We were in new hire training together. And we ended up becoming simulator partners on the MD-80. We shared a crash pad for a few months in Dallas and I can truly say Neil was my closest friend at American Airlines. He was the only person in the world to ever call me, Robbie, but coming from him it fit. Any conversation with Neil always had smiles and laughter. I am going to miss that.

Posted by Robert Forbess on October 24, 2024

So sorry to hear about Neil. We met years ago through tennis and quickly became friends. I will always remember my Honey Bowl tennis tournament weekends with Neil and many other things as well. Thoughts and prayers for the family. Keep flying in that great sky up above!

Posted by Bernie Howard on October 23, 2024

A fine young man that surely made His hometown proud of his talent and , left us way too early , Prayers for Jack and his family !!🙏🙏 RIP Neal !!

Posted by Daniel Haddix on October 21, 2024

It’s been awhile since I talked with Neil. He helped with the girl’s basketball team. He was always positive and had the biggest smile. Praying for Neil’s family for God to give them comfort, strength, and peace during this time and times ahead. May he wrap his arms around each of you. Brenda Combs

Posted by Brenda on October 15, 2024

I met Neil in high school. He was a talented tennis player and athlete. We shared a passion for flying and we helped each other progress our airline careers along the way. He was always smiling and we shared a lot of great times through the years. I’ll never forget our roadtrips, flights, and fun times along the way. We lost touch the last couple years. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family. You’ll truly be missed.

Posted by John Hannah on October 15, 2024

I had the honor of flying N749MA, a B737-800, with Jack Neil Strong from ARD-PTK last year, a ferry flight for the Nomadic Aviation Group. This was actually my very last time flying an airliner from the left seat so I will always hold that trip close to my heart. Jack Neil Strong was a class act and treated me with dignity, respect, and professionalism, making for a fun day. Blue Skies & Tail Winds as you fly West, Jack Neil. RIP, Sir. 🙏

Posted by Bill Sablesak on October 15, 2024

I was just informed of the news of Neil's Passing. I can attest from experience that he was an amazing pilot and great guy to fly with. Apart from his airline flying, Neil was one of the most experienced delivery and flight test pilots in the industry. He flew more aircraft types and went to more parts of the world then most pilots could ever dream of. Safe Flight West Brother Greg

Posted by Capt. Greg Darrow on October 15, 2024

I'm so sorry for your loss. Neil was a great guy! I enjoyed working with him. He was always there to help us out with either a flight or a sim event. He will be missed in our small aviation community. God Speed my friend! High Flight John Gillespie Magee Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark or even eagle flew -- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Posted by Gail Lynn Hart on October 15, 2024

It just doesn't seem right, a world without your smile. I loved that you shared the world with us in your Facebook posts. I pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding for your family. You were one of kind my friend and you will be missed.

Posted by Dolly on October 14, 2024

Rest in heavenly peace Neil. We love you and will always miss you until we see you in heaven. Thank you for blessing our lives. Karen Brickey-Kangwa Florida Tennis Family

Posted by Karen on October 14, 2024

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I am heartbroken. When I was in 8th grade, Neil moved in with my family so he could play tennis in Florida. I gained another brother that year and I am so blessed to have had Neil become a part of our family. He taught me how to drive a car, never turned down a McDonalds run, and was always up for a late night chat session about life and love. I remember the day he called me telling me that he was moving to Orlando to become a pilot. Not only was he a talented tennis player, but he breezed his way through flight school and found his passion. Neil was full of life. He made me laugh, was a great listener, and always thought of others. Neil is one of a kind. Nobody like him. As my mother calls him, “Neiler”, was a lovable guy who could light up the room. Family driven. Always there if you needed something. Always a smile on his face and surrounded by laughter. I have so many memories that I will always cherish. He will be deeply missed. Love you Neil! Prayers for his family and friends. Mandy Croley Kamphouse

Posted by Mandy Kamphouse on October 13, 2024

So sorry to hear about Neil. His Dad and I enjoyed teaching him tennis and he became a very successful international pilot. Neil had a contagious smile and he was just a great individual. I had lost touch with Neil the last few years but he will always be an inspiration to me. I will miss my friend.

Posted by Cluster Howard on October 12, 2024

I spent many nights talking with Neil years ago at the Hazard Pavilion. He was always there playing tennis and I worked as a lifeguard at the pool. We were fortunate enough to stay in touch over the years and I loved traveling the world with him through his pictures on Facebook. He was a special person with a wonderful smile. Prayers for his family and those closest to him. The world is a little darker today without him in it. “The saddest people smile the brightest “ Stephen Chbosky

Posted by Paula Hall on October 12, 2024