James Meeker Obituary

James Julian Meeker

12/21/1935 -

1/24/2021

James Julian

Meeker was born in Fort Worth, Texas December 21, 1935. Jim passed on January 24, 2021 at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jim was the son of Julian Robertson Meeker and

Edna Hill.

Jim Attended the Choate School and was a member of Dartmouth Class of 1958. He briefly attended Stanford Law, Class of 61. He was a member of the SAE fraternity and a member of Steeplechase. He was a founding member of the Board of The Country Day School and a former board member of The Fort Worth Art Museum.

He also was the art critic for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Jim lived in Fort Worth in his early years and maintained his close connections and identification with the City. He also split his time traveling between New Mexico, San Francisco, California, and Hana, Hawaii. Jim had many philanthropic interests, including

giving many

years of service and financial support to Adopt A Special Kid Foundation (now the Lilliput Families, www.lilliput.org) and creating a private foundation, The W.W. Meeker Foundation, in honor of his late brother, Bill Meeker.

Jim was a devout Catholic and a supporter of the Santuario de Guadalupe in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a project with his dear friend Monsignor Leo Lucero.

Jim is survived by his adopted daughter Michele Atwood and was very close to her daughter, Danielle Atwood.

An avid art collector who along with the art created many lasting friendships with the artists and musicians. He was indeed unique.

So, as Jim would say so often to his friends, his friends now say to him, "Adios and Aloha, Love indeed". A private service will be held at the Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery in Fort Worth.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Meeker

4 Entries

Dianne Hoffman

March 17, 2023

In 2011 I had a solo show "Keys to the Midway" at a newly opened restaurant called "Straw" located in the trendy neighborhood of Hayes Valley in San Francisco with 24 pieces, both collage and assemblage, that fit the playful carnival theme of the venue.

Halfway through the opening reception an older man approached me to introduce himself as Jim. He was a quiet, unassuming, soft spoken gentleman. To make out what he was saying I had to concentrate and tune out the crowd's chatter that filled the small room. When I realized he was trying to convey that he'd like to make a purchase of my art, he had my full attention. Jim handed me a price list he had circled in pencil and said he'd like 12 of them. I had to ask him several times if I was correct in understanding that he wanted to buy half the show?? He did!! In a blurred, elated haze, everyone began to see the flurry of red dots go up on the wall and clamored to make their purchases before all artworks were spoken. And just like that, the show sold out.

It was an amazing experience I'll never forget that made a huge impact on my self esteem as an artist. Thank you James Julian Meeker for your kind, generous encouraging support and for playing such a significant role in my artist journey. I have and always will think of you as my first patron saint art angel.

Freda Kline Hamric

March 3, 2021

My brother George Kline arranged for me to work for Jim In the 1970s and Jim’s extreme kindness, compassion and generosity to all still remain in my memories. He was pure joy and I am honored to have known him.
May God’s grace and peace surround the Meeker family at this time and into the future days.

annie owen

March 2, 2021

A very special friend to my mother jane, my sister Carol and myself. He was a mentor to all those he loved. I will always cherish his memory. annie

Carolyn Erbele

February 26, 2021

To Michele and Danielle Atwood,

I was the music director at St. Gabriel in San Francisco. At some point during my seven years of service there (2000- 2007), Jim became a member of our choir. I think part of the reason he enjoyed being in the choir so much was because of the family-like atmosphere. Often choir rehearsals ended with a birthday celebration of one of our members.

I remember finding out that Jim's birthday was close to Christmas. I happened to be in the church rehearsing for our Christmas music program we always performed before midnight mass when I saw Jim sitting at the back. I knew it was his birthday so I stopped what I was doing so I could play and sing "Happy Birthday" to him. He came up to me and told me how much that meant to him and that was beginning of our friendship. I also had the tremendous pleasure being invited along with Kathy Schiebold, Rae Almajose and my husband to one of his Adopt-a-Special Kid events when Kris Kristofferson was his special guest.

I also remember how much both of you meant to him and how he lovingly spoke of you. I know he appreciated all you did for him.

May your memories of Jim be a source of comfort and inspiration to you in this time of loss and grieving.

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