James R. "Doc" Meyer

GIBSON CITY - James R. "Doc" Meyer, DVM, 90, of Gibson City passed away at 3:44 p.m. Friday (May 17, 2024) at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.

A prayer service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Rosenbaum Funeral Home, followed by a visitation until 7 p.m. Visitation will also be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, Gibson City. Burial will follow in Drummer Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Gibson City Food Pantry or to Angel Flight.

Jim was born June 20, 1933, in Pekin, a son of William J. and Wilhelmina Albrecht Meyer. He married Anita M. Magana on June 18, 1955, in Champaign. Anita passed away Oct. 14, 2018. Jim then found love again and married Michele F. Bein on Feb. 22, 2020, in Gibson City.

Jim is survived by his wife, Michele Meyer of Gibson City; a son, James (Anet) Meyer of Tustin, Calif.; a daughter, Elise (Michael) Marren of Chicago; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and nine siblings, Gertrude Weibler of Peoria, William (Ann) Meyer of Manito, Donald Meyer of Pekin, Marie Selk of Delavin, Carol (Dave) Bullock of East Peoria, Lawrence Meyer of Topeka, Joseph Meyer of Pekin, Eileen (Allen) Hahn of East Peoria and Paul Meyer of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rae Ann; three sisters, Ruth Irene Meyer, Lorraine Meyer and Marcella Coyle; and a brother, Kenneth.

"Doc," as he was affectionately known by his many friends, was a longtime veterinarian in Gibson City, taking care of many animals in his 53-year career. Jim graduated valedictorian of his high school Class of 1951 and top of his veterinary medicine Class of 1957. He is listed on the bronze tablets at the University of Illinois Main Library for outstanding academic performance. He was active in both the Illinois and National Veterinarian Associations.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Gibson City Rotary Club. You could often find him playing euchre at the Telecare Building or pinochle with his family.

Jim could be seen riding his bicycle all around town or puttering on projects at home. He could "MacGyver" anything. His greatest passion was flying, beginning in 1962 and ending last year at the age of 90. Jim was the current president of the International Flying Farmers and past president of the Illinois chapter. He was a dedicated pilot to Angel Flight, an organization that flies patients in need of medical services. He participated in medical and construction missions in Mexico, Guatemala and Bolivia. 

Jim's priority first and foremost was God and his family. He was always willing to help others. In his "spare time," he traveled, hunted and cheered on the Illini and St. Louis Cardinals. He gave 110 percent to everything he did. The stickers on his vet unit said "Here comes Doc" in front and "There Goes Doc" on the rear bumper.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.