Muskrat Jack Obituary — The community mourns the loss of John “Muskrat Jack” Neary, a beloved animal control officer and founder of Muskrat Jack Animal Services Inc., who passed away on January 12, 2025.
Known for his unyielding dedication to wildlife and his invaluable contributions to the towns he served, John Neary’s legacy is one of compassion, commitment, and service.
John Neary, affectionately known as Muskrat Jack, discovered his passion for animal control at the remarkable age of 12. Crawling through attics to help neighbors remove unwanted animals, he realized early on that this was his calling.
Over the decades, his skills and dedication grew, leading him to establish Muskrat Jack Animal Services Inc., a cornerstone of animal control services in Point Pleasant and its surrounding communities.
Neary’s work extended beyond Point Pleasant to towns like Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, and Mantoloking. From raccoons in attics to possums in basements, he addressed every animal control complaint imaginable with courage and expertise.
Known for his fearless approach, Neary faced countless scrapes, cuts, bruises, and even bites over the years, all of which he handled with resilience and a deep respect for the animals he encountered.
“John wasn’t just an animal control officer—he was a lifeline for the community,” said a spokesperson for the Point Pleasant Police Department. “To us, he was more than a colleague; he was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration.”