Obituary of James Fredrick Meikleham

James Fredrick Meikleham passed away on October 4, 2016 at age 98. He was a loving husband to Virginia for 72 years, devoted father to Mary Meikleham-Granger (Milton Granger) , Kevin (Lynn Mack), Joan Janas and John (dec. 1994), proud grandfather of Jessica Hornig, Sarah Kostulias, James, Erin, and Devin Janas and great-grandfather to Brynn, Evan and Sean Hornig. James was born in Barrow in Furness, England to James and Anne Meikleham. He immigrated as a baby with his parents to Syracuse. As a life-long resident of Syracuse, he grew up in Eastwood where he distinguished himself on the Eastwood HS golf and hockey teams, the beginning of two of his lifelong passions. Later James went on to join the golf team and became the team captain at Syracuse University where he earned a BS in accounting and business education and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. During World War II he enlisted in the army even though he was one of the few stainless steel welders able to work on fighter planes. James worked his way up to lieutenant in the Infantry Replacement Training Center (1942 – 1947), an experience he would later recall as one of the happiest and proudest times of his life. In addition to the pride he felt for his family, he was most proud of his decade long work as a coach for the Mid-State Youth Hockey league. In the evening, he could be found repairing discarded hockey sticks which he then donated to at-risk youth. James also made world class golf clubs for friends and colleagues. He was a member of Bellevue Country Club for 53 years where he played in the 18 hole league, won numerous championships, including some of them with his buddies from Eastwood! James was also an active member in the Eastwood Golf League. He was a loyal friend and loved a good joke. He worked as a comptroller for Syracuse Fruit Company, Carroll Industries and other businesses in Syracuse. He loved to travel, was always ready for any new adventure, made great cocktails and enjoyed and savored every moment of his life. James is predeceased by his son, John David Meikleham, sister, Margaret Turner, his parents, and son-in-law, Paul Janas. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 10am at St. Ann's Church; 4471 Onondaga Blvd. Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 10, 2016 from 4-7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial will be in Onondaga Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America, PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301