Jimmie "James" Leroy Meier, 82, of Winnebago, IL, officially joined the ranks of the "living impaired" on December 12, 2025, after a long, happy life. He took his final road trip that morning, surrounded by family.

Born March 18, 1943, in Freeport, IL, Jim grew up in Ridott, IL and graduated from Dakota High School in 1961. He met Judith Georgia Samson in Rockford, turned on the Ridott charm, and married her on October 16, 1965. Together they raised Shane, Bret, and Stacy—plus a lifetime of stories.

Jim worked hard and played harder. He and his dad opened Meier's Tavern in Davis, IL, then he moved into the refractory business, spending 43 years with Gagnon Inc—right up to the finish line.

Jim was the life of every party. If there was something to celebrate—or even if there wasn't—he'd fire up his not-so-clean grill for his famous ribs or steaks. His home was always open, his jokes sometimes questionable, and his laughter contagious. He never missed a Pink Panther flick, Christmas Vacation, or The Big Lebowski. Did he like to laugh? The Dude abides.

Generous to a fault, Jim never hesitated to help anyone in need. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Judy; children Shane (Tina), Bret (Amy), and Stacy (Eric Meinert); grandchildren Megan (Bill) Carter, Elena and Ava Meinert, Eden (Brighton) Haverland, and Paiton Meier; step-grandchildren Ian and Jake Stamer, great-grandchildren Emma, Wyatt, Rhett Carter, Bex and Kovi Haverland; siblings Karen (Denny) Wells, Nancy (Rod) Fehr, Dennis (Sherry) Meier; and a big extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Steve and Hildegard Samson, and several siblings-in-law.

Jim was cremated. A celebration of life will be held this summer—details to follow. Bring your best Jim stories. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local hospice.

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.walkermortuary.com

The family was assisted by the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home of Dakota, IL.