James (Jim) Meek, Jr, age 71, of Denison, Texas, passed from this life to his eternal home on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Denison, Texas.

Jim was born on January 20, 1953, in Denison Texas to late James and Mildred (Higgins) Meek.  He graduated from Denison High School in 1971.  Jim married his high school sweetheart Gail Mahana on November 11, 1972.  Gail was his faithful partner, companion and best friend for the entire 51 years of their marriage.

Jim's early career was with Texas Instruments.  He then worked as an apparel salesman with Silton.  Jim held several positions during his long career with Plyer Construction.

During high school, Jim pitched and played third base for the Denison Yellow Jackets.  He played men's open league softball for many years, during which he made many lifelong friends.  Most of all Jim was an avid tennis player in his adult years.  He played in many tournaments across Texas even being ranked second in Men's Doubles in his classification in the state.

Even though Jim had no children of his own, his influence on the young people he encountered was immense.  Jim instructed many of those young people in the game of tennis but more importantly he shared his knowledge in the game of life and his love for Christ.

Jim was also an avid reader but it had to be "books" so he could highlight passages and make written notes.  His library consisted of first and foremost the Bible, with the rest being non-fiction historical books.  Jim sought to increase his knowledge and understand the true history behind historical events.

Jim loved his dogs and cats.  He had a special place in his heart for his Red Heeler "Knuckles" who was his constant companion and buddy for fourteen years.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail who by his side every day until his death; brother, Ronnie Meek (Shari) of Denison, TX; sisters, Elizabeth Burk of Denison, TX; Susan Fortenberry of Calera, OK; Wilma Blackshear Bush of Whitesboro, TX; Mother-in-Law Wanda McWilliams; brother-in-law Brent Mahana (Cindy); sisters-in-law: Susan Massenburg (Bill); Lori Skelton; Tracy Flowers (Mike).  Jim was cherished by many of his nieces and nephews as well and the sentiment was shared.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Milderd (Higgins) Meek, infant sister, Lottie, brother-in-law Bill Burk and very close friend Ronnie Lewis.

Special thanks and gratitude to Allen and Susan Hooker who cared for Jim's dog, Cesh, during the last weeks.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 12:00 pm at American Funeral Service Chapel located in Denison, TX.  Family and friends visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG)

3307 S Eisenhower Pkwy

Denison, TX 75020

www.denisonanimalwelfaregroup.org

or

St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School

PO Box 610

Thoreau, NM 87323

www.stbonaventuremission.org