James "Jim" Anthony Meyer Sr.

Born December 14, 1948 to Joseph and Mary Louise (Hettinger) Meyer, Jim grew up in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, KY. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Parish and St. Xavier High School graduate, class of 1966.

Following high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and began dating Mary Jo Isham. Jim and Mary Jo would marry at St. Agnes on May 23, 1969. The couple welcomed three children: James Anthony Jr., Jennifer Alayne, and Jessica Ann.

Upon completion of his Air Force commitment, Jim and his family settled back in Louisville, KY and began working 3rd shift at Reynolds Aluminum (Alcoa) where he managed an industrial aluminum press with a nearly perfect attendance rate for the next 30+ years. During daytime hours his mechanical skills put him in high demand for other various industrial contract work. Additionally, an entrepreneurial itch and passion for automotives led Jim to invest in commercial real estate and establish a truck and horse trailer business with a long-time friend and business partner.

Jim’s passion for cars ran deep. He had a photographic memory of every make and model manufactured and was an avid collector with wide and varied tastes. Over the years he brought home everything from muscle cars, historical antiques, military trucks, ambulances, vintage convertibles, farm tractors, motorcycles, campers, box trucks, pickup trucks, minivans, many teenage starter cars, and plenty of his infamous signature pieces–junk.

Retirement years ushered a transition to Jim’s favorite job of all–grandfather (“Pop”). Jim’s eyes would light up with pride when talking about all 5 of his grandchildren, and they each adored their Pop right back. Another major post-retirement transition included achieving a lifelong dream–moving to a 40+ acre farm in Lebanon Junction, KY with his wife. Starting fresh in a new town, Jim joined the Freemasons, met many new friends at the local Rod and Gun Club, and became a regular at local restaurants and events with Mary Jo by his side. Exactly where he wanted to be, Jim passed away at home on the farm he had always wanted.

Jim will be remembered as a loving family man, loyal friend, and hard worker. A true man of integrity, he was a gentle, steady force and will be missed dearly.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Louise Meyer, and sister, Pat French. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Jo Meyer, their children, Jim Meyer Jr. and wife Amy, Jennifer Cress and husband Scott, Jessica Swift and husband Matthew, and his brother Joe Meyer and wife Mary. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lauren, John, Henry, Jude, and Barrett as well as many other extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 11 AM to 2 PM with Memorial Service immediately following on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Arch L. Heady & Son in Westport Village 7410 Westport Rd, Louisville, KY 40222.