James A. Meister, 84, of Mansfield passed away Friday, April 7, 2017 at Kindred Hospital.
Born on June 13, 1932 in Mansfield, Ohio to the late John and Catherine (Schadd) Meister.
James won a scholarship to Penn State for his athletic abilities; he was the 1950 state champion pole vaulter and won Mehock Relays pole vaulting championship in 1949 and 1950.
James was formerly employed at General Motors for 30 years. He was a member of Amvets Post 26. James had a love of music as he played guitar, and harmonica and enjoyed singing. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, yard work, and gardening.
He loved watching all Cleveland sports and the Buckeyes but his favorite sports to watch were his grandchildren’s sporting events.
James is survived by children; Kim (Cheryl) Meister, Sarah (Mike) Piazza, James E. Meister, Joseph Meister, Andrew (Rebecca) Sorg, Claudia Strong, Roberta (James) Prosser, Karl (Annie) Fry, Brady (Michele) Fry, and Richard McGraw; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Shirley (Worman) Meister; a son, Robert Fry Jr.; six brothers, Albert, Jake, Walter, Richard, Robert, and Donald Meister; and three sisters, Elizabeth Meister, Viola Popp, and Ruth Desterhaft.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Amvets Sad Sacks.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com
