James "Jim" R. Meikle

James “Jim” R. Meikle, 77, of Catawba Island and formerly of Sandusky passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 28, 2018 in the Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky.

He was born June 26, 1941 in Sandusky to the late Robert E. and Betty E. (McDougal) Meikle. Jim was a 1959 graduate of Sandusky High School and had attended Kent State University. Jim’s career in the amusement and theme park industry began at the age of 14 at Cedar Point where with hard work he advanced to the position of Vice President of Operations. Following his time at Cedar Point he went to Geauga Lake, Funtime, Inc. in Aurora, Ohio, where he advanced to Executive Vice President of Operations.  Jim took a leave of absence this year as Chief Operating Office from Parks! America where he was President of the Wild Animal Safari parks in Pine Mountain, GA and Strafford, Mo. He was also a member of the Board of Directors. He was a member of Exotic Wildlife Association, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and the Port Clinton Yacht Club. Jim loved Lake Erie and the islands where he enjoyed fishing and boating.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Meikle; four children, James R. (Linda) Meikle of Streetsboro, OH, Elizabeth (Henry) Adams of Kent, OH, Kylea (John) Meikle-Iski, and Tyson (Jen) Meikle both of Hudson; nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren, his sister, Wendy (Dan) Allen of Huron; his nephew, Scott H. (Jess) Melching of Boston, MA, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

There will be a Time of Remembrance on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM in the funeral home. Chaplain Melvin Jackson will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for Firelands, c/o UH Seidman Cancer Center, 1111 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 or Stein Hospice Services, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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