James Engum Meyers

Jim was born on September 22, 1937 to the late Paul Alphus Meyers and Irene Engum Meyers in Waverly, Iowa where he lived until leaving for college.  Jim received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and then joined the U. S. Navy by attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI.  After his four-year tour of duty as a Supply Corps officer, he earned an M.B.A. from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  Jim met his future wife, Loretta, in Philadelphia and the two married on June 26, 1965 in Valley Forge, PA.

Jim began his banking career with National Bank of Detroit and moved to Grosse Pointe, MI where his son and daughter were born.  In 1973, NBD sent the young family to London, England for two enjoyable years.  Jim joined Barclays American in 1981 and moved to Charlotte, NC.  Eight years later he was transferred to Hartford, CT and resided in Avon.   After a successful 36-year financial career, Jim retired as Executive Vice President with Fleet Capital (successor to Barclays American) and moved to Wilmington, NC in 2001.

Jim’s many years in finance made him particularly well suited for his volunteer service – usually as treasurer.  As a devoted member of the Lutheran Church, he was Treasurer at Christ Lutheran in Charlotte and at Lutheran Church of Reconciliation, where he was also President of the Church Council, a member of various committees, and a Reader on Sunday mornings.  In addition, Jim dedicated his time by serving on numerous nonprofit boards, including Plantation Village (Treasurer), Kenan Chapel, and Country Club of Landfall (Secretary, Treasurer).  His latest volunteer service was on the Lutheran Services Carolinas Board of Advisors.

Jim always loved sports both as a fan and active participant in basketball, tennis, and golf.  He especially enjoyed his Friday Golf Group and the camaraderie among the members.  As an only child, Jim thrived by making long lasting friends wherever he lived.  He was also a voracious reader and collector of both fiction and nonfiction, but especially mysteries.  Jim was an avid opera buff and supporter of the Metropolitan Opera.  He loved traveling domestically and internationally, although his favorite trips were to see his daughter, son and grandson.

Jim’s ever-present positive attitude, integrity, kindness, humility, and warm smile are remembered and cherished by his family and friends.  Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta Janis Meyers; his son Jonathan Meyers of Charlotte, NC; his daughter Jennifer Meyers of New York, NY; his grandson Gunnar Meyers of Charlotte, NC; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Arlene and Trent Kitley of Melbourne, FL; and three nephews and one niece.

Memorials may be made to Lutheran Church of Reconciliation, 7500 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28411 and the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or the charity of your choice.  A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 pm Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at The Lutheran Church of Reconciliation.