James Edward Meier

James Edward Meier, also known as Jim or Jimbo to friends and family, was born the youngest of three children to George Edward Meier Jr. and Kathryn Marie Lindblad Meier in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 27th, 1953. At the age of 10 the family moved to Redlands, California where he would live for many of his remaining years. He was an active youth participating in various activities, most notably achieving the rank of Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America and running cross-country track for Redlands High School where he graduated in 1971. It was there where he would meet his future wife Peggy Claire Haydon.

After high school he would go on to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he would graduate in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in economics. While attending UCLA he participated in the band, playing the trombone as well as joining the ROTC program. During his time there he met fellow bandmate and lifelong friend, Roger Card. Roger and Jim had front row seats in the band for the John Wooden era of UCLA college basketball and got to witness one of the greatest college basketball dynasties of all time. They would both become godfathers to each other's children and the two families remain close to this day. In November 1976 Jim was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

During his service he acted as co-pilot or flight navigator for several different planes including, the B-52 Stratofortress, FB-111 fighter-bomber, and the B-1B Lancer. After completing a couple of assignments, he would reconnect with Peggy at his 10-year high school reunion and they were married in May 1982. A short two years later they would welcome their 1st son, Geoffrey Edward Meier, in Plattsburg, New York in November 1984. Just two years after that another son, Alexander "Sandy" Haydon Meier, was born in Abilene, Texas on Christmas Day in 1986. During his service he would continue his education earning a master's degree from Abilene Christian University in 1987. After completing several more assignments, he would take his last assignment in Palmdale, California. In 1995, he would move his family back to Redlands, California. Upon finishing this last assignment, he would retire after more than 22 years of service at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Jim would carry on his public service as an employee of San Bernardino County. During this time Jim joined the Redlands Country Club where he would play golf with his sons or on his own. Although very busy with work, education, and life Jim would always make time for family. He would attend as many of his sons' activities as possible including sports, Boy Scouts, and academic endeavors. He would work as a warehouse manager for the San Bernardino County Department of Human Services until his retirement in March 2018.

Jim enjoyed many things throughout his life. As a longtime Southern California resident, he was a big fan of Dodger baseball and sports cars. As a young adult, he owned a Chevy Camaro and a Ford Mustang, but one of his lifetime goals was always to own a Corvette. He accomplished his goal in 2005 when he brought one home from the factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky (and then again in 2023!). He was an avid dog lover, owning several throughout his life, spoiling them with attention and love. He also enjoyed traveling, taking several trips a year to visit military reunions, hobbyist conventions, new countries, historical sites, and favorite destinations with his 2nd wife Jan Darlington. Jan and Jim met in 2020 and later were married in April 2022.

However, all these paled in comparison to his true passion. Winding down the day with some time in his poolside jacuzzi. He enjoyed a glass of bourbon and a cigar with his trusty dogs by his side all while watching television and enjoying the beautiful sunset view.

On August 12th, 2025, James Edward Meier passed away peacefully at 72 years old. He was surrounded by family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his sisters Linda and Jane, his sons Geoff and Sandy, daughter-in-law Erin, his grandchildren Hayden and Hunter, and his wife Jan. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.