Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James Meeks Obituary
LIMA — James Daniel Meeks passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Mercy Health St. Ritas, in Lima.
He was born in Cleveland, OH, July 2, 1955, the son of Frank and Louise Meeks, Wickliffe, OH.
He was preceded in death by brothers Doug, Gene, and sister Pam.
He is survived by his sister, Carol (Donnie) Bernardinetti in Wickliffe, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
On March 24, 2005 he married Patricia (Leidy) West, and she survives in Lima.
Dan's family includes daughter, Bonnie Krueger-Darling (Adam), and grandson, Henry in Indianapolis; son, Patrick Meeks, and his partner, Tara Kreinbrink in Tucson, AZ, step-sons, Adam (Larissa) West in Columbus, and Aron West in Colorado.
He will forever be loved by Mike and Sally Leidy (brother-in law), nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Ryan) Betts, Kimberly Jackson, Kate Jackson, William Leidy, Chris (Jeanette) Leidy, Thomas (Megan) Leidy. He will be missed by great-nieces and great-nephews, Garrett Wibbeler, Morgan and Madeline Betts, Sarah and Andrew Halsey, Henry Leidy, Carter, Palmer Leidy, Addison and Dixon Leidy.
Dan was a graduate of Wickliffe High School in 1973 and earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Miami University in 1977. He was an inspirational music educator in the Southwest Local Schools, Harrison, Ohio for 28 years, Shawnee Local Schools for 11 years, and Rettig Music, Inc for 4 years. He championed every student, believed in them, genuinely challenged his students, always with his famous "have fun" comment.
Dan loved jazz music, band, and everything related to music education of young people for his entire career. His junior high bands from Harrison performed at the OMEA State Conference 4 times, and his jazz band and concert bands were frequent top rated performing ensembles at Concert in the Parks and OMEA adjudicated events. During Dan's eleven years as a band director in the Shawnee Local Schools his high school concert band received eleven straight superior ratings at the OMEA STATE Adjudicated Event. Dan was the OMEA Marching Band Percussion Caption Head for ten years, an active adjudicator, and mentor to every young band
director he met.
He was a best friend to everyone who knew him, and his deep laugh and infectious smile will be missed.
Nothing was more important to him than his family.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on December 28, from 3:00-7:00 pm at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Shawnee Chapel, in Lima. A celebration of life service will follow from 7:00-8:00 pm. A private service for the family will take place on December 29 at Shawnee Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ohio Foundation for Music Education, or later this year in support of a band commission piece that will be dedicated to Daniel Meeks.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
The family requests all attendees wear masks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Deborah Drexler
December 29, 2021
Pat,
Words cannot express my thoughts and sympathy for you. As you know Dan had a major impact on the musical lives of my 4 Children. Music is a major part of our lives and Dan was a major influence. He will always be remembered for that. I will always remember his smile and the look on his face at DCI finals in Indy when Adam had his final performance. I don't know who was more proud!
I'm sorry that I was not able to be at the service but I will always have a special place in my heart for the Meeks!
Rest in peace, Dan!
Deborah Drexler
Linda Hartley
December 23, 2021
Ohio has lost a great musician, passionate teacher, a true friend to so many, and someone who deeply cared. He always had a smile, a word of encouragement, and inspired others. Dan will be missed.
Ms Scott
December 19, 2021
Condolences to Mrs. Meeks and the family. Mr. Meeks had a real passion for music which he enthusiastically shared with his students. I thank him for pushing my granddaughter at Shawnee High School to excel and reach her musical potential. Students didn't always agree with the "Meeks" method ; however, it delivered superior results time and time again.
May memories of times shared bring the family comfort.
Andy Bianco
December 19, 2021
We are sorry for you loss Pat. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
1170 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45805
Make a Donation
in James Meeks's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Meeks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
