James R. "Doc" Meyer DVM

James R. "Doc" Meyer DVM

June 20, 1933 - May 17, 2024

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 in Gibson City.

A prayer service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at Rosenbaum Funeral Home followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the funeral home. A mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church in Gibson City. Burial will follow at Drummer Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 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 October 14, 2018. Jim then found love again and married Michele F. Bein and they were married on February 22, 2020, in Gibson City.

Jim is survived by his wife Michele Meyer of Gibson City; his son James (Anet) Meyer of Tustin, CA, and his daughter Elise (Michael) Marren of Chicago; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren;also, 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; sisters: Ruth Irene Meyer, Lorraine Meyer, and Marcella Coyle; and brother, Kenneth.

"Doc" as he was affectionately known by his many friends was a long-time 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. Long time member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the Gibson City Rotary Club.

You could often find him playing Euchre at The Telecare Building or playing Pinochle with his family. Jim could be seen riding his bicycle all around town or puttering on projects at home. He could McGyver anything. His greatest passion was flying beginning in 1962 and ending last year at the age of 90.

Jim is 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, cheered on the Illini and St. Louis Cardinals He gave 110% 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 that knew and loved him.