He was best known for his work co-starring on Animal Planet’s hit show, Call of the Wildman. Today, we learned sad news that Bango Neal James has died.

Banjo Neal, along with his best friend the Turtleman, Ernie Brown Jr., became household names after the surprise hit show took the nation by storm.

He was well known here in our area as well, making countless trips the mountains. He made several appearances at East Kentucky Broadcasting, both on radio and TV. He was best known for his Hillbilly Days appearances. But his heart was in charity work, participating in our telethons raising money for natural disaster victims in our region. He once even donated his overalls for an auction.

In the last several months, Neal had been in declining health battling cardiac problems.

Banjo Man Neal James was 55 years old.