James Loftin Meadows Sr., 84, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024.

He was born December 2, 1940, on a beautiful snowy day, in his childhood home that he grew up in. He was the son of Merman Fletcher Meadows and Lillian Smith Meadows. He was born into a large, loving family of fifteen brothers and sisters whom he cherished dearly.

He lived a blessed life with his best friend and wife of 63 years, Betty Jane Raney Meadows. Where you saw our dad, you saw our mom. Their love story is one for the history books. He met the love of his life at the age of 14. He often told the story about the first time he “laid eyes on her.” They shared seventy years of love and friendship. Out of this love, their family grew. They became parents to four children, Jimmy, Crystal, Johnny and Tonya. They built a strong foundation based on faith, love and trust. Our family was blessed to share our dad with so many others. He was a mentor and pillar of pure goodness to all that were fortunate enough to know him.

Our dad’s many accomplishments in life began during high school. He was awarded with the Woodsmen of the World Award for achieving the highest academic proficiency in American History. He was voted most likely to succeed and most athletic by his peers. After high school, he continued his education at Appalachian State Teachers College (Appalachian State University). He graduated with high honors and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and History. With four small children, a full-time principalship, teaching classes and coaching, dad earned his Masters of Educational Specialist Degree. He was an advocate for the entire educational field.

All that knew him knew that he was more than an educator. He served as a school principal for 37 years, shaping the lives of countless students and colleagues. His calm demeanor, quiet strength, and steadfast patience left a lasting legacy in the schools he led. He was a teacher and principal who cared deeply about those he served.

As his children, we all knew the importance of a good education. He and mom also taught us about the importance of giving back to others. Dad would often take each of us with him to deliver food, clothes, air conditioners, heaters and so much more to anyone that he felt might be in need of something. He never talked with us about those excursions. He didn’t need to. He showed pure love to everyone, and in his eyes, everyone was valued. Our education was beyond books. He and mom taught us to make sure those around us felt valued. The most important education came in the examples of love and caring for others.

Dad was a farmer. Growing up on a farm and being taught the importance of growing crops, farming brought dad joy. He could make anything grow. He was sure to always share what he grew! Dad also took immense pride in his role as “Papaw” to 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was so excited and looking forward to the great grandson and great granddaughter due in April. He loved each of his grandchildren beyond all measure and they knew it. He enjoyed their many sporting events, graduations, marriages, family get togethers, beach trips, mountain trips, good talks, visits and any accomplishment that they were involved in. He and mom were always there, always so proud.

We have so many memories of growing up that we cherished as a family came from a ballpark or sporting event. Dad coached and mentored many youth sporting teams. Those teams were like family. Dad was the best coach and won several state championships. On those ballfields and courts, if you were lucky enough, you also received life lessons mixed with a whole lot of fun, not to mention some amazing fundamentals. He was a valued member of our church. He was a Sunday School teacher and served on the church council. His knowledge of the Bible and his deep faith were evident in everything that he did. You see, he was once in a lifetime. There is once in a lifetime that you may meet a man like our dad. We were so blessed and honored to share him as Mr. Meadows, teacher, principal, mentor, coach, neighbor, brother and uncle. His great love will be forever felt.

Dad wore many hats. He had so much love for his family, his school families, his teams and his community. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a life well-lived, which will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Jane Raney Meadows; and their four children, James “Jimmy” Loftin Meadows Jr. and his wife Melissa, Crystal Meadows Darden and her husband Bob, John Fletcher Meadows and his wife Paige, Tonya Meadows Mays and her husband Bart; grandchildren, Aubrey Meadows and wife Jessie, Aaron Meadows and his wife Michelle and their son Rhett James Meadows, Jacob Mays and his wife Alex and their two children, Watson James Mays and Loften Claire Mays, Andrew Meadows and his wife Sarah, Madison Darden, Kennedi Meadows Cobb and her husband Joe, Kepli Meadows, Jaxon Mays, Jentri Meadows, Bentli Meadows, and Brooklynn Mays. Others left to cherish his memory are brothers Whitey Meadows and his wife Bobbie, Frank Meadows; and sister Dovie Meadows Beaver; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends that he loved so dearly.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Mooresville, with Rev. Dave Keck officiating. Burial will follow the service at Salem Lutheran Church in Salisbury.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Meadows family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.