James P. Meads

James P. Meads, 95, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on February 17, 2026.

Jim lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and service to others. He was a proud Korean War veteran who served as a cook in the United States Navy, a role that reflected the quiet, steady way he cared for people throughout his life.

On May 30, 1954, he married the love of his life, Bernadette. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion and partnership that lasted until her passing in December 2020. Nothing meant more to Jim than his family, his faith, and the time he spent at St. Joan of Arc, where he was a longtime and active parishioner.

Jim was the owner of K and J House of Meats and took great pride in his work. He was known for his incredible attention to detail and the determination to do everything the right way. That same care was applied to the things he loved, including woodworking, landscaping, gardening, and especially helping others.

His generosity became a quiet tradition in the Toledo community. Each Thanksgiving, he collected and distributed hundreds of frozen turkeys to families in need. Additionally, Jim could be found working in the kitchen at Helping Hands of St. Louis at least once a week. Every Christmas, he walked through the church making sure young families received gift cards from the House of Meats to help make their holiday brighter. He did not seek recognition, but it was simply who he was. In 2025, Catholic Charities honored him with the Hands of Christ Award for a lifetime spent caring for the poor and serving others.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bernadette; his parents, Paul Bernard and Emma Lydia Meads; and his brother, LaVerne Meads.

Jim’s legacy lives on in his children, Kate (Chuck) Horner, Deborah D'Emilio, James P. (DeAnna) Meads II, and Erin (Paul) Darah; his grandchildren, Charles (Jill) Horner, Maxwell D'Emilio, Dominic D'Emilio, Shelbie Darah, Makenzie (Tasha) Elkington, Parker Darah, Jenna (Robert) Butler, Madeline (Evan) Arnold, Hunter (Luke) Junga, Meredith Meads, and Sydney (Hunter) Menke; his great grandchildren, Charles, Ian, Olivia, Grayson, Avenue, Pierce, Oliver, Aubrey, and baby Menke; and he is also survived and dearly missed by his beloved dog, Eddie. They were his pride and joy, and he loved them deeply.

The family would like to thank Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for the compassion and care shown to Jim.

Visitation will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice or Helping Hands of St. Louis: https://catholiccharitiesnwo.org/.

Jim will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep faith, his generous heart, and the way he quietly took care of everyone around him. The lives he touched and the good he did for others will continue for generations.