Jim Meadows, Jr., Marine and Army vet, too

Jim Meadows, Jr. raises the flag that he flies in his back yard each day.

by Patrice Johnson

James M. Meadows, Jr., age 79, grew up and attended school in Taylor, Mich.

His father, James Morgan Meadows, hailed from Macon, Georgia, and his mother, Bernadette (Trudeau) Meadows, came from Detroit.

Meadows married Patricia G. (Cobb) Meadows Sep. 3, 1960, and the couple gave birth to and raised six children: Terri, Mary (deceased), Stephen (deceased), Kimberly, Rebecca, and James III.

Apr. 12, 1957, Meadows joined the US Marine Corps, and four year later on July 7, 1961, he joined the US Army. He served six months in the Dominican Republic during the Dominican Crisis. Then he served two years in Vietnam. With the USMC he operated as a Communications CPL E3. While with the US Army, he served in the Infantry, ISG E8.

When asked if he had received any awards or honors, Meadows replied with a simple “Numerous. For doing my duty.”

“I remember it being the greatest time of my life,” he wrote.

Serving in the military helps ground a person, he said, and equip him or her with leadership skills and a sense of responsibility.

Some of the most memorable parts of Meadows’ service arise from a Marine Corps birthday, Jump School, and serving in the 10^thSpecial Forces Group.

When Meadows returned home from the service, he taught ROTC, carried mail and became postmaster.

His advice to the youth? “Do a tour, if you are up to it. You will gain knowledge and skills.”