James "Jim" Sibley Meadows

LTC James Sibley Meadows, U.S. Army (Ret.), beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on the afternoon of April 21, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by his family at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Affectionately known as “Poppy” by his grandchildren, Jim had been a resident of Hampton, VA, for the past 53 years.

Jim was born on July 25, 1934, in Puebla, Mexico, to Dr. Feland Lucius Meadows and Zula Weems Sibley Meadows. The son of a missionary doctor, Jim joined the U.S. Merchant Marines after graduating from high school, which gave him the opportunity to travel. He later returned to Puebla, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis, who was there to interview for a position as head nurse at his father’s hospital. They were married six months later.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army, completed OCS, and received his commission as an officer. A Vietnam Veteran, he served his country for 23 years. In addition to two tours of duty in Vietnam, he served overseas in Germany and Iran. He was stationed at Ft. Monroe, VA, when he retired from the U.S. Army.

During his service, Jim was awarded the following medals: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with “Valor,” Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Gold Star, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was also awarded the Vietnam Armor Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Jim was a charter member of the Founders Society for the Kiwanis International Capital District Kiwanis Foundation, as well as a Legion of Honor Award recipient. He dedicated over 25 years to Kiwanis Club service and many years to the Young Children Priority One campaign, supporting reading hours in local elementary schools. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jim coached children’s sports for years and served as Commissioner of Basketball for the Phillips Athletic Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Jane Meadows Laitala; his brother, Dr. Feland Lucius Meadows, Jr., and his nephew, Timothy Lee Meadows.

Jim is survived by his wife of over 68 years, Phyllis; his four children: Jim (Pam) of Poquoson, VA; Steve (Christine) of Virginia Beach, VA; Pamela of Charlottesville, VA; and Dave (Debbie) of Daytona Beach, FL. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Chris, Sam, Mark, Dusty, and Dylan; two step-grandchildren: Chris and Dara; three step-great-grandchildren; and six nieces.

Visitation service with the family will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23666, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., followed by a graveside service with Full Military Honors at Parklawn Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments will follow in the funeral home’s reception hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), the American Red Cross, or Easterseals.