James Lee Meyer

“Let me tell you a little secret…” When that index finger went up and we heard those words, we knew that Jim (Dad) was about to gift us with pearls of wisdom. It’s one of the many traits that we will miss. Since his passing, so many friends and neighbors have told us that they thought of him as their dad or grandpa too. He was the ultimate family man, and always made others feel welcome in his home and in his life.

Jim met the love of his life, Patricia Ryan, in their hometown of Rockford, Illinois. They married there, and then the Navy brought them to San Diego in June, 1968. Their five children were raised here, and when he retired after 20 years in the Navy, they chose to remain. All of their children have remained here as well. So many friends and relatives have stayed at the old homestead on Abbeywood Road over the past 50 years that it seemed like a second home to some of them.

Jim was so proud of his Navy career, and rarely left the house without his Vietnam Veteran hat. He spent many years in the engine rooms of the USS Princeton and the USS Towers, rising to the rank of E-9, Master Chief. For his 75th birthday, we bought him a plaque at Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial that he was able to visit many times. Pat and the kids went to visit the plaque on Sept. 7th, her birthday. It just seemed like the best place to be that day.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Meyer and Grace Connell, and his brother Donald Meyer, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and a grandson, Douglas Lee. He is survived by his wife Patricia, children Diane (Rick), Mary Beth (Joe), Sheryl (Aaron), Melissa and James, his brother Tom (Carol), and several cousins in Rockford and Colorado, as well as many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind grandchildren Christopher (Jo), Ashley (Rick), Brittni, Emily (Gabriel), Richard (Catelyn), Ryan, Brandon and Sophia. And he was Papa to great-grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, Kaitlind, Chase and Grady. He had a special place in his heart and a twinkle in his eye for these little guys. His constant companion, Mishka, will miss him as well.

A military service is planned at Miramar National Cemetery on Monday, October 8th at 10:30am. The cemetery is located at 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, CA 92122.

It will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Gateway Church at 12:30pm. Gateway is located at 1280 N. Johnson Ave. #102 El Cajon, CA 92020. Lunch will be provided at the church. Please bring your favorite stories to share! We are looking forward to hearing your fond remembrances.