James Phillip Meissner

James Phillip Meissner of Monroe, GA, born January 15, 1944, in St. Paul, MN, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024 at home. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in the Loganville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 – 1 PM prior to the service. Known as Jim to most, he was preceded in death by both parents, Lillian (Hansen) and George Meissner Sr, his sister Marion, and brothers Thomas and John Meissner. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Davette (Dzikowski); daughter Andrea and husband Ken Pickens of Sugar Valley, GA, their six children – Alex, Nicholas, and Matthew Robinson, Amanda, Kerrie and James Pickens; daughter Erika and husband Sam Swett of Covington, LA, their two children Samantha and Adam; great-grandchildren Lilliana and Bryan Robinson of Lilburn, GA; and Jim’s older brother George Meissner and his wife Kirsten, of Branson, MO. Jim is also survived by many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and their children and grandchildren scattered across Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin, Florida, and California. Jim spent his youth in St. Paul, MN, attended St. John’s Lutheran School and Harding High School. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he eventually completed his bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Parks. His studies were interrupted by the Vietnam War, when he served in the US Navy aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga. It was during his training at Orlando NAS that Jim met Davette, and they married in 1967. Jim and Davette settled in Longwood, FL where they raised their two daughters. Jim worked for the State of Florida, at Sunland Hospital, and then in the correctional system, retiring from the Central Florida Reception Center (prison). Jim and Davette relocated to Monroe, GA in 1997, following their oldest daughter and grandchildren. In his semi-retired years, Jim worked for his nephew’s custom glass company, drove a school bus for Walton County, and played golf as often as possible. Jim was a devout Lutheran, often a choir member. He was an avid sailor, beach goer, and theme park enthusiast. Jim lettered in four sports in high school – football, baseball, hockey, and swimming. His love of sports continued throughout his life, enjoying televised boxing, racing, ice skating, golf, and tennis right up to the end. Jim was particularly devoted to his grandkids and great grandkids. With the older boys, he cheered from the bleachers, took them tubing in Helen, played basketball in the driveway, and never missed an excuse for fireworks. With the younger grandkids, Jim and Davette spent a week at Disney parks with them every year. Whether it was summer in the pool, “supervising” scooters and bicycles, or another Disney movie coming out, Papa Jim was there with his great-grandkids. Jim never did get the sailboat back in the water or the bonus room finished. He started far more projects than he finished. He collected far more takeout condiments than any kitchen should hold. He kept clothes he’d never wear, car parts he’d never install, life jackets so old the straps disintegrated. As the family photographer though, Jim put his excessiveness to good use. Turns out his life, like his home, was overflowing with great memories, of good times and bad. His legacy will be a love of all things Disney, beaches, live music, sports, and old cars. Jim will be remembered as much for his stinginess with money as his generosity with time. Somehow 80 years filled with love and laughter seems like not quite enough. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 670 Tom Brewer Road, Loganville, GA 30052. 770-466-1544. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

James Phillip Meissner

January 15, 1944 - June 16, 2024

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James Phillip Meissner

January 15, 1944 - June 16, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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