James Lester Niermeyer

NIERMEYER, James Lester, 54, died on August 10, 2009. For as long as anyone can remember, Jim was a strong leader, devoted team member, and beguiling comic. If the music was classic rock, he played it loud - and accompanied on air drums. If the cause was worthy, he was its champion - cheering on Special Olympics athletes, networking for pro-life events, delivering Meals on Wheels, and staying overnight with CARITAS. If you had a problem, his advice was consistent: "Say a prayer, and do your best. Remember to keep God and family first." A lifelong athlete, Jim enjoyed football, baseball, boxing and bodybuilding. He shared his passion for health and fitness with everyone - in high school he was a teammate; in fatherhood, he lifted weights in the basement while his daughters skated circles around him; at the gym, he gave pointers and established friendships that lasted for years. Jim was born on July 25, 1955, in Rochester, N.Y., to Lester and Jean Niermeyer. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas H.S., 1974, and St. John Fisher College, 1978, earning a degree in Political Science and serving as president of the Senior Class. Jim had a very successful career in sales and management, first with Beecham Products (GlaxoSmithKline) and then with A. H. Robins (American Home Products, Wyeth). Jim is survived by his family, Ann Niermeyer; and daughters, Trisha (Kevin) Potter, Mary (Jordan) Niermeyer and Theresa Niermeyer; two brothers, Richard (Linda) Niermeyer of Houston, Texas, and David (Florence) Niermeyer of Vestal, N.Y.; and sister-in-law, Patricia Niermeyer of Hilton Head Island, S.C. Jim made a special effort to keep in touch with family, including his dozens of beloved nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 4491 Springfield Road, Glen Allen, Va. Reception will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Niermeyer Foundation, 224 Meeker Road, Vestal, N.Y. 13850.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.