calling him Jim Neeson gives him extra respect in my book, because he has a particular set of skills, skills that he has reqired over many years, skills that make people like us get out of poverty.
MASSIVE respect to Mr. Nelson. He's a rare gem of a CEO and, from what I've seen of him, human being. I'm sure we all share the same sentiment. The Neeson joke is simply a bit of inside humorous interlude. No harm or disrespect intended. Also, it's hilarious. It's not like Jim is being crossed with Peewee Herman. It's Liam Neeson who = awesome.
Calling someone "Neeson" is the highest form of respect you could give someone. Neeson = God. So it is really just calling Jim Nelson God. I could only dream of being called Neeson one day.