James “Jim” Mealey, age 74, passed away at Barnes Hospital on Saturday, December 5th, 2020. He was born September 2nd, 1946 to W. Franklyn “Frank” and Anna (Starkey) Mealey in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Affton High School in 1964 and graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 1969 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice (Mrazek) Mealey; his children, James II “Jamie” (Lynn), Jeremy (Chrissy); his grandchildren, Jillian, Kate; sister, Carol (Dale) Sewald; sisters-in-law, Jane (Fred) Jaeckle, Judy (Mike) O’Brien; and nephews Craig Sewald, Bob Sewald and Reid Jaeckle.

Jim enjoyed being in nature, loved being around animals, and was fond of any activity that got him outside. As a child he enjoyed spending time at the Starkey family farm hiking, camping, fishing and most importantly, spending time with family. He played football on the Affton High School team and was also in the marching band playing the flute. While at Mizzou, he studied (a little), played rugby, and was a founding father of the Gamma Sigma Chapter of the Sigma Pi fraternity.

After college, Jim worked at Hussmann Refrigeration and played rugby with the Falcons. After years at Hussmann, he went on to start multiple small businesses such as Gaslight Party Center and Catering, and a lawn and landscaping business called The Blade’s Edge. With The Blade’s Edge running smoothly, he went back to school, got his teaching certificate and taught math at St. Dominic High School.

Jim’s greatest accomplishments were being an outstanding father, grandfather, and friend. He was a coach, Boy Scout leader, travel buddy, entertainer, and devoted father for his two sons. As a young father Jim never sat down, spending his non-working time fixing cars and anything/everything around the house, attending the boys sporting events, and playing with motorcycles and Jeeps in the country. As a grandfather he loved having overnights with his granddaughters, watching movies and making breakfast for them in the morning. He also enjoyed taking them to Fitz’s for floats, exploring Onondaga Cave, fishing at Watson Trail Park, and building them gingerbread houses to decorate each Christmas. He also loved spending time with his friends joining in monthly card games, going on fishing trips and playing pool. He was fun, always up for a good time and always willing to help anyone in need.

Jim was a deeply religious servant of God, avid Bible reader, and member of Southgate Church, where a memorial service will be held at a later time. Those who knew Jim understand there are too many stories to share for a small pandemic style celebration of life.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Roxanne and the staff at NHC Maryland Heights and all the nurses and doctors at Barnes who took such good care of Jim. Thank you family and friends for all the support over the last 5 months through thoughts, prayers, cards, texts, and many other acts of love.

Jim lived life on his own terms; in a work hard, play hard, rest later kind of way. Enjoy your eternal rest James Mealey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org