James Neal Dayoob

James Neal Dayoob, 51, of Johnstown, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023. Jamie, as he was affectionately known, was a local restaurateur who lived in Wilmington for the past 25 years. He began his career working in Wilmington-staple restaurants such as Oceanic and Eddie Romanelli’s. In 2008 he opened Whiskey Creek/Whiskey Trail on Masonboro Loop Road. In 2015 he opened Keg & Egg on the adjacent property. The people who worked with him and his patrons were not just acquaintances but also great friends.

Jamie is survived by his wife Jessica, of Fort Wayne, IN and Wilmington, NC. They were married in 2014 at the riverfront in downtown Wilmington. Jamie is also survived by his father, George Dayoob, of Scottdale, PA. Jamie was predeceased by his mother Patricia Marley Dayoob of Johnstown, PA. Jamie grew up in Pennsylvania and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees of Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University, where he met and kept lifelong friends.

Jamie touched the lives of everyone he met, from preschool to present day. His friendships spanned decades, not just years. He was the type of person who would always lend an ear, a laugh, or a song. He had the gift of finding common ground with anyone, but always knew when to listen rather than speak. Jamie never took people at face value, and instead always saw the value of every human underneath. He enjoyed Pittsburgh sports, theatrical rock music, deep and meaningful conversation, and storytelling. He never met a stranger and always brought comfort to any conversation. Jamie made people want to do better by others and he will be missed sorely by legions of people. His contagious spirit and jest for life will live on in those who loved him always.

A Celebration of Life for Jamie will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 3:00pm until 10:00pm at the American Legion Post 10. These details are also available on Facebook under “Events”.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jamie’s name to Love is Bald at loveisbald.org, a local non-profit for cancer patients, or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC.

Please leave memories and condolences for Jamie’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099