B.J. Meeks

BJ Meeks died unexpectedly at age 79 on November 28, 2019 in Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida after a short illness. BJ is survived by his husband, Pablo Perez, with whom he had a loving relationship for over 30 years. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Karen), Cousin Violet Marie Wilson and many friends who will miss him dearly.

BJ was born on April 14 of 1940 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to the late Wanda and Robert Meeks. In 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, BJ opened a men’s haberdashery named Squire Limited and later created BJ’s Hunt Room in an adjoining space. Over time, BJ relocated to Wellington, Florida. Under the banner of BJ’s Hunt Room, he and Pablo traveled the nation to sell beautiful and unique clothing, jewelry, art and antiques at the nation’s top hunter jumper competitions. BJ was also deeply philanthropic. He and Pablo have demonstrated a strong commitment to the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, Florida. Among their many charitable gestures, BJ and Pablo founded the Wellington Equestrian Group which hosts an annual holiday party for over 600 underserved family members who are patients of the Caridad Center. For many of these families, this event provides the only holiday meal or gifts they will receive during the season. In addition to the holiday party, for the past 15 years BJ and Pablo raised funds to provide college scholarships for underserved students. Connie Berry, co-founder of Caridad, stated that as a result of BJ and Pablo’s efforts, “We were able to provide school supplies, book bags, school uniforms, sneakers and college scholarships for 30 students this year. BJ meant so much to this organization. He helped thousands of children.”

BJ was a graduate of The Ohio State University. He was a fantastic cook, loved to travel and loved to entertain. He was also a horseman of renown who fox hunted with the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt in Columbus, Ohio, and the Palm Beach Hounds of Wellington, Florida. BJ owned champion confirmation hunters that were shown with great success by his close friends, the Wheeler family.

BJ’s husband Pablo recalled that during their travels, BJ met many special people with whom he developed lifelong friendships. He will always be known as a loyal and loving spouse, son, friend, brother and cousin. In his memory donations may be sent to The Caridad Center, 8645 West Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida 33472. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.