James William Meister

James William Meister died June 7, 2023 in Venice, Florida. Jim was born on August 3, 1934 in Toledo, Ohio to Charles and Eva (Burley) Meister. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School, received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toledo and a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Jim proudly served as a medic and tank driver in the Ohio National Guard from 1957 to 1962 in Fort Knox, Kentucky and Toledo, Ohio.

Jim had three children from his marriage to Marvel (Schroeder) Meister: Scott Meister, Dean Meister and Lynnette (Meister) Werning.

In 1987, Jim married Joyce Mix and they lived together in Merion, Pennsylvania; Peacham, Vermont; Islesboro, Maine; and Nokomis, Florida. Joyce died in 2014.

Jim had a career in business before attending seminary in his 50s. During his time as an ordained minister, Jim pastored the Peacham Congregational Church in Peacham, Vermont and the Danville Baptist Church in Danville, Vermont. Jim was also an avid traveler and enjoyed river cruises in Europe and exploring the United States in a motorhome. He also enjoyed time in nature, especially the woods in Maine and walking the beach in Florida. He was a great storyteller and, sometimes, his stories were even true! After Joyce's death, he enjoyed listening to music and spending time with friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Eva (Burley) Meister, his sister Janet (Meister) Lincoln and his wife Joyce (Mix) Meister. Jim is survived his children Scott Meister and his wife Debra Danielson, Dean Meister and his wife Stephanie (Geimer) Meister and Lynnette (Meister) Werning and her husband David; his brother Charles Meister; his grandson Luke Meister; his nephews, niece and their families; and the members of Joyce's family who also became his family.

A private graveside service will be held at the Jesse Knight Cemetery in Nokomis, Florida. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com.