James Cullen Meers Sr.

James "Jim" Cullen Meers, Sr., 90, of Bethesda, Maryland passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025. He was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather whose wisdom, humor, and calm and loving presence will be deeply missed.
Jim was born in Gary, Indiana on April 25, 1935 to Nish and Cleo Meers and spent his childhood in Illinois graduating from high school in Galesburg. Jim earned a BS at Georgetown University, a JD from Harvard University, and returned to Washington, DC to begin a career in law at the SEC prior to entering private practice with Corcoran, Youngman and Rowe. Jim also served in the United States Army Reserves.
As an only child with an educator mother, Jim learned to read early, was a lifelong learner, and curiosity powered his interest in history, politics, travel, sports and English furniture. Introverted by nature and by circumstance, Jim appreciated smaller gatherings, informed and lively conversation, and playful banter often at a good restaurant or the fitness center. Above all, Jim loved his wife and family (and his Bouvier de Flandres, Baby, too) and was the person everyone came to for counsel on life decisions or to talk through the issues of the day because he listened actively, asked incisive questions, and offered gentle and honest guidance without judgment. He leaves us with a legacy of love and values.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Florence Meers of Bethesda; his five children, Melissa, James, Jr. (Angie), Michael, Christopher (Melissa), and Patrick (Cattleya); ten grandchildren who called him "Papa Jim", Loren, Matthew, Alexandra, Connor, Makayla, Maxwell, Mason, Caroline, Katherine, and Abigail; and three step-grandchildren, Brandon, Bryson, and Bryan.
A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. on November 29 at Our Lady of Mercy in Potomac, Maryland and a Celebration of Life is being planned for a future date.