James C. "Jed" Meadows

On March 21, 2022, James took his last dying breath in Shelby County, Alabama, less than 200 miles from Greene County, Mississippi, where he took his first breath of life 90 years ago on September 23, 1931.

James was the fourth of six children born to his parents William C Meadows (1904-1990) and Lettie L McClain Meadows (1901-1979), who all predeceased him.  Mildred M Matechen (1923-2022); Lou Edith Boutwell (1926-2020); William E (1929-2002); Verna Mae Van Deusen (1933-1964); and Edward L (1938-1939)..

James's health rapidly declined after he was informed that his last living sibling, Mildred went to be with her Lord on March 2, 2022.

In 1947, at age 15, James came to Pennsylvania with Mildred, where he met and fell forever in love with his wife of 72 years Norma Jean Feil Meadows (1931-2019).  Together they overcame the challenges of life while caring and providing for their eight children.  When times were tough, and life seemed to be beating him down, James would always say, "I'll get through it".

April 10, 1952 was a day James often mentioned.  It was the day his daughter, Donna was born, and the day he started working at Ingall's Iron Works in Verona, PA, where he was employed for the next 30 years.  Within the next couple of years James moved his then small family from Little Italy to Russelton and could afford to purchase his first and only Cadillac.

After living for short times in various places in Curtisville, Little Italy and Russellton, in 1959 James and Norma settled down and purchased Jed's Little Acre, in Frazer Twp where he served as Frazer Twp #1 Fire Chief and Twp Supervisor.  Among other township improvements James was influential in getting approval for the Frazer Township Memorial Parklet, to honor all veterans, and in the development of the Pittsburgh Mills mall.

Besides his children, James also raised pigs and chickens, and was actively involved in breeding and racing homing pigeons.  In 1960 one of his pigeons, flying an average of 31.28 mph against a NE wind, won fourth place of honor in a 322 mile flight from Greenfield, Indiana. His pigeon could have won first place if it had not lingered outside the pigeon coop before going inside to be clocked.

From 1978 through 1986, James purchased four rental properties in Tarentum and Brackenridge, which along with his own house, kept him busy maintaining them.  In 1982, when Ingall’s closed, James was elected president of the Allegheny Valley Firemen's Association and he opened the "Variety Store" with the help of his long-time best friend James Beacom, Donna and favorite son-in-law Al Frederick.

James and Norma enjoyed listening to music from their extensive music collection. Their favorite artists were Gene Watson and Charlie Pride.  One of James favorite songs was "Teach Your Children". In 2007 they endured the unbearable loss of their favorite son Joey (1954-2007).  From then on, no more music would be heard in the Meadows house.

Except for the pigeon incident, James and Norma were never heard to utter a harsh word or displayed an angry temper. They welcomed anyone who could find time to visit them.  Their compassion was without equal and they sacrificed deeply in behalf of family, friends, and anyone in need.

James had but one hope after his death: "It is my desire to have no formal viewing and my body is to be taken immediately to the cemetery for burial at Greenwood."

On April 2, 2022 James was received by Bill Yanicko of Siwicki-Yanicko Funeral Home, Russellton (siwicki-yanickofh.com).

On Tuesday, April 5, 2022 James took his final Cadillac ride from Russelton.  Bill was thoughtful enough to drive past James’s former residence on Bakerstown Road, stopping briefly before taking him to the Temple of Love Mausoleum to finally be laid to rest, head-to-head, with his beloved wife.   

Their son and daughter, Gary and Donna have taken responsibility for their father's funeral and burial arrangements and expenses. To ensure memorial contributions are used as intended they should only be sent to Gary at 1728 Bakerstown Road, Tarentum.

A dinner to honor James will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 between 5 and 8 PM at 35 Sycamore Street, Natrona.  All friends and relatives of James are invited to attend.

For additional information and to view James’s online Memorial page please visit https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210633969/james-clarence-meadows or simply do a search on the Find A Grave web site.

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