James Eugene Meyer, 76, died Thursday, October 9, 2025, at home with his wife and daughter by his side. He is the son of Elizabeth and Don, and brother to Karen (Jim Blend).
Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, (8301 N.W. Aurora Avenue, Urbandale). A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone, Iowa. Food and fellowship will conclude at the church.
Jim was raised on a grain and livestock farm five miles southeast of Stanhope. He was active in 4-H, showing cattle and hogs. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran parochial school and continued to attend St. Paul’s church. Jim graduated from South Hamilton High School in 1967 and participated in sports, music, and stage events.
Jim graduated from Ellsworth Community College and later from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. In June 1972, Jim graduated from the Iowa Military Academy at Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa, as a 2nd LT. He served six years in the Iowa National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged as a 1st LT.
Jim married Janice Young in 1972, in Maryville, Missouri. In November 1977, they became parents to Jennifer (Doug Salvo). In 2008, Jim and Jan became happy grandparents to Katelyn.
Jim had a successful 40-year Agribusiness career that encompassed banking, insurance, sales and marketing management positions within the seed industry.
In 2022, Jim and Jan celebrated their 50th anniversary in Ankeny by hosting a gathering for a large group of family and friends that traveled in from six states. Among the attendees were members of their wedding party!
In life and retirement, Jim and Jan spent time traveling to various places across the country to visit family and friends. They enjoyed multiple trips to Florida, Arizona and Wisconsin. They enjoyed tennis, snow skiing, playing golf and pickleball. They attended many Iowa State and Northwest Missouri State sporting events and numerous music concerts, too. He also fulfilled a lifelong dream by flying in a P-51. In recent years, they’ve enjoyed watching their granddaughter, Katie, compete in multiple sports. Jim stayed busy serving as the HOA Treasurer for their community.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local hospice, Gloria Dei Luthernan of Urbandale, St. Paul’s Lutheran RR Boone, Iowa, or Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Unity Point Hospice for all their support during Jim’s last few days.
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Cynthia Wallace sent Stately Croton for James Eugene Meyer - October 22, 2025
My prayers are with all of the family. I didn't know Jim that well but enjoyed the short visits I had with him at reunions and other family gatherings. He was such a nice man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim was one of the good guys in Ankeny...or anywhere. He and Jan were always cheerful and interested in others. Rest in peace Jim.
Ron Sampson