James R Meadows

James Robert Meadows, November, 1963 to March, 2013. Our Number One Son. Navy trained (Eight years); hardworking, preferred to work alone, did not suffer fools easily. He received many accolades during his military career as well as in his civilian professions. What most saw was his rough exterior, but Jym was more complex. He was strong, protective and cared deeply for his family and friends. He was humble, frugal and possessed brilliant wit that few could match. He loved music, history, reading, and creating things; words, pictures or gadgets. He was proud of his American Indian and Hawaiian ancestry and birth in Puerto Rico.

Jym was born in the Naval Hospital, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. As a child he traveled with family to many military bases. He joined the Navy at 21, was trained as an IC man, PNA to IC1. He served in USS Midway and USS Safeguard. He was often recognized for his skill in diagnostics of communication and electrical systems. After six and a half years of sea duty, eight years in the Navy, Jym followed his heart and came home to his family.

Jym had an ornery side to him. He found inventive ways to poke fun at the Navy and his shipmates. Because he had a talent for drawing and for using words, he would use those mediums to shape his zingers. I.E. the time he super glued a quarter to the deck near a cheap petty officer’s desk. The crew cracked up watching the senior petty officer’s futile attempts to pry it from the deck. Pictures in parody were posted anonymously, and if questioned, he would acknowledge authorship so others were not blamed; he called himself “The Shadow”. There was far more to this man than time allows us to express.

Jym leaves in great sorrow his immediate and extended family. Father and Mother, LCDR John R. and Mary A. Meadows, sisters Theresa L. (Former AKAN)/Willard T. Mays, Michelle D./Daniel Mulligan (Major, USMC), Angela M. / Bryan L. Partridge (former, AS2, AE2), Uncle Robert B. Mead (Ohio, former US Army), Uncle AT1 Cecil E. Meadows (Hawaii), Uncle MCPOF Thomas A. Meadows (Calif.), nephews and nieces Jennifer and Jessica Mays, Jeremy and Lauren Partridge, numerous uncles, aunts and cousins from the George family and great nephew Grayson, a truly special lad.

Jym was an avid player of the World of Warcraft, which was introduced to him and his dad several years ago by brother-in-law Dan. Sunday afternoons were dedicated to teaming up with Dan and Dad to attack the bad guys. I think he took a lot of pride in being our “tank”, and making two officers follow his lead! He spent many hours with his sister Theresa and brother-in-law Tripp helping to rebuild their house. When he needed consolation, sisters Theresa and Angela were there. Sister Michelle lived in Houston so was not as often with Jym as the other sisters, but was always a challenge when philosophical or discussions of any type were in order. Almost every night, he had to chat with Mom before retiring. Subjects of great importance to simple stuff were often held with dad.

I believe that Jym never truly recognized his abilities, talents, accomplishments and the regard in which he was held by friends, family and former bosses.

The love his family held for this man and he held for his family is too huge to be measured.

To all who cared for Jym in any way, at any level, our family appreciates your thoughts and concerns whether expressed to the family or simply in your thoughts.

Please ensure your family members and friends know you care for them, even if there is an occasional disagreement with any of them. It is hard to erase any hurtful things done once someone is unavailable.

Plan ahead; wills, insurance, notes (let loved ones know they are loved ones), and for eventualities such as death. Try not to go to bed mad, particularly with your better half (easier said than done).

Thank you for coming to Jym’s Memorial Service.

To offer your condolences visit us at www.cage-mills.com

Arrangements under the direction of Cage-Mills Funeral Directors, Corpus Christi, TX.