James Joseph Meachem

James Joseph Meachem

Nov. 2, 1941 Sept. 5, 2003

Jim Meachem passed away September 5, 2003, after a four month battle with liver cancer. Jim was born in Taft, California, to Frank and Frieda Meachem. He graduated from Taft Union High School where he was a champion swimmer and held numerous records. He attended college in Santa Monica and later returned to Taft where he briefly worked for Continental Telephone Company before beginning a career in the oil industry. During his oil career he worked for Tide Water Associated, Getty Oil, and Texaco, where he was an Automation Supervisor in the Kern River area for over 25 years. He retired from Chevron-Texaco in November of 2001. His friends called him Jim, JJ, Peaches, Jimbo, and Mr. Jimmy. His grandchildren knew him as Grandpa Jimpy.

Immediately following retirement, Jim and Julie, his best friend, lover and companion, traveled to many places including London, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Tahiti, the Panama Canal and numerous gambling destinations. Jimmy loved NASCAR, snowmobiling, riding his Harley and dirt bike, boating, golfing, rafting, and time in the garage with friends and BUD. Mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family, close friends, and his grandchildren who always had him wrapped around their little fingers. Jim and Julie spent much of their home time at their mountain retreat in North Fork, California where Jim enjoyed playing on his big boy tractor, mostly creating dust storms.

Jim is survived by Julie Ahrens; his two sons, Jeff Meachem and wife, Joni of Lake Isabella, CA and Brian Meachem of Bakersfield; two stepsons, David Ahrens and wife, Heidi of Bakersfield and Mark Ahrens and wife, Toni of Modesto, CA; his two sisters, Janet Lee and husband, Monty of Bakersfield and Pauline Meachem of Camp Nelson, CA. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren, Joey, Jonathon and Jamie Lanza; Nicole and Logyn Ahrens and Cody Green; John and Jordyn Ahrens and Roland; and expected in December, James Jeffery Meachem. Jim is also loved by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jims name to Hoffmann Hospice. Visitation is Wednesday, September 10, 4-8 p.m. Memorial service on Thursday, September 11, 3:00 p.m., at Mish Funeral Chapel.