James William Meier

Born March 28, 1918 in Ottumwa, Iowa to John Henry and Lillian Choate Meier. Jim is survived by his bride of 65 years, Christine E. Prestridge Meier, his four children, five granddaughters, seven grandsons and eight great-granddaughters as listed below. Jim and Chris Meier have lived in Bossier City raising their family here for fifty years following many moves in his military career.

Jim, a native of Ottumwa, Iowa, graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1936, where he was named a State All American Football Player. After playing football for two years on an LSU scholarship, Jim joined “the greatest generation” to pursue his love for flying in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He flew combat missions over the skies of London in WWII. Duty called to serve as an instructor pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps, which led to a lifetime career as a USAF officer and command pilot to generals in the USAF. Jim was honored to fly the lead B-47 at the fly-by dedication for the USAF Academy. Jim retired from service at Barksdale AFB.

Jim was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity at LSU and a proud member of the U.S. Veterans of WWII. A longtime sports fan and avid fisherman, Jim enjoyed boating, water skiing and the outdoor life he shared with family and friends at Lake Bistineau and the surrounding area.

As we are left to honor his legacy and memory, we send him with faith on ‘eagle’s wings’ to the Lord’s everlasting arms. We pray for a peaceful journey on his final flight home. (Isaiah 40:31) (Psalm 91) “The Eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV)

“Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces of the sky…Aloft in solitude of space, uphold them with thy saving grace.” (USAF Hymn)

Funeral services will be conducted with full military honors for Jim on November 26, 2010 at 10:30a.m conducted by Reverend Mimi McDowell of Noel First United Methodist Church. Pall Bearers: Todd Meier, Jimmy Lee Meier, Jr., Stuart Butts, Danny Hutchison and David Hooper. (Hill Crest Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 601 Highway 80, Haughton, La. 71037).

The family sincerely thanks all friends and family who have shown their support and love at this time. Any Memorial donations are suggested to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org or a charity of your choice.

Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Lee and Lawrence Meier. Survivors include: Wife: Christine Prestridge Meier; Children: Bobbie Joyce (Charles) Hinshaw, Deloris “Dee” Marie Butts, Jimmy Lee (Dayna) Meier and John William (Janet) Meier

Grandchildren: Todd Lawson Meier, Amanda Katherine (David) Hooper, Jimmy Lee (Marsha) Meier, Jr., Jeffrey Scott (Tami) Meier, James Phillip Meier, Jeremy Patrick (Valerie) Branton, Christine Lillian (Brian) Hight, Jennifer Marie (Danny) Hutchison, Stuart William Butts, Allison Lee Butts, Fouad Abraham Sawaya and Jeanine Marie Sawaya. Great-grandchildren: Hailey Marie and Emily Anne Hutchison, Lillian Avery and Parker Grace Hight, Clancy Cheyenne Meier, Olivia Christine and Cecilia Michelle Meier, and Madeline Grace Branton.