James E. Meeks

James Edwin Meeks, 78, passed away October 26th, 2017. Born in Morgantown, WVA, he spent his early years in Texas before moving with the family to Columbus in 1949. Jim graduated from East High School in 1956, Oberlin in 1960 and Columbia Law School in 1963. He worked for Judge McGowan in the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1963-64 before accepting a teaching position at the State University of Iowa Law School. His expertise was in torts and anti-trust. In 1978 Jim accepted the position of Dean of the Ohio State University College of Law, where he served until 1985. Jim returned to the classroom and also was Special Assistant to the President of the University 1988-1991. He cared deeply about his students and colleagues and was a team player. He was active in Impresario's, NRRI, Tremble Cliff's, served on various boards at the university, was active in accreditation inspections of law schools and was proud to have written "The Swango Report". He retired from teaching in 2005. Thru out his life he wore many hats: Husband, Father, Grandfather, champion for the underdog, scholar, mentor and visionary. Eclectic in his interests, he loved: family, fishing, the law, a really good book, gardening, traveling by train, the opera and model railroading. As age and Parkinson's Disease took a toll on his body, he remained optimistic, upbeat, cheerful and was an inspiration to many. Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Priscilla, children: Kathryn Sorrells (Brett), Jeffrey Meeks (Cecelia), grandchildren: Cedar and Buck Sorrells and Sam and Tucker Meeks, sisters: Betty (Wayne) Spangler and Nancy Wardlow, sister in law: Christine Lohr, numerous nephews and nieces and a host of colleagues and friends. The family expresses thanks for the good care Jim received at Westminster-Thurber and for the many doctors who encouraged and cared for him through the years. Calling hours will be November 10, 2017 from 4:00-7:00pm at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Upper Arlington, OH 43221. A memorial service will be held November 11, 2017 at 11:00a.m. at Scioto Ridge Methodist Church, 4343 Dublin Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026. In lieu of flowers memorial suggestions are: Opera Columbus Development Office, Attn: Jessica Morris, 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215, Scioto Ridge Methodist Church, National Parkinson Foundation of Ohio, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr #265, Columbus, OH 43231 or a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences and share memories please visit www.schoedinger.com.