James K. Meyers (1930-2017)

Local star of the stage and avid defender of the written word, James K. (Jim) Meyers died in his home surrounded by those who loved him on Thursday, July 20, after a brief struggle with lung cancer. He was 87.

Jim was born here in Kenosha on March 9, 1930 to parents James (Boots) and Marian (Francek) Meyers. Driven by both an inquisitive nature and a sharp wit, he enrolled in the journalism school at the University of Wisconsin. While in Madison, he was a prolific writer for the Daily Cardinal newspaper. He also utilized his emotive voice as a radio host and news announcer for WHA radio, and performed radio plays with the Radio Hall Players. In 1953, he married Elizabeth (Bette) Cunningham, his high school sweetheart.

Graduating in 1955, Jim found his way to the Fourth Estate with his first newspaper job at the Twin Cities News-Record in Neenah, WI. As both a reporter and photographer. With camera and notepad in hand, he was known to go to any length to get the story. He returned to his hometown in 1960 where he and Bette would raise their four children, and he would establish his long tenure at the Kenosha News.

Jim’s career at Kenosha News was a prolific and storied one. He grew from staff writer and photographer, to City Editor in 1977, until at last elevating himself to Managing Editor in 1984. During his time as staff writer, he was an active unionist and served as President of Newspaper Guild Local 159 from 1970-1975. He was also Treasurer of the Guild’s seven state Midwest District Council for eight years.

Publisher Howard J Brown, affectionately known as “Uncle Howard” to his family, said of Jim, “His desk is the magnet that attracts news. His job demands virtually instant judgement, an immense knowledge of the community and the ability to balance a dozen balls in the air until the news is put to print. Jim has done this with competence and commitment. Even those who are not pleased with us respect Jim.”

During his tenure, he covered a wide range of issues – within news and features, as well as editorial and events – in all sections of the Kenosha News. Jim was especially focused on local and regional politics, most notably his coverage of the tumultuous Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968. No subject or section of the paper was immune to Jim’s interest. Jim also wrote as a drama critic, earning his status through his life-long love of acting on the stage.

On that stage, Jim shared his creativity and love of the arts with the community. This passion for stage acting began early while in grade school, and was a constant source of creative outlet for Jim throughout his life. Jim played lead roles in many stage productions: among others, he performed at Bradford High School, UW Madison Players, Racine Summer Theater, Kenosha Little Theater, and Racine Theater Guild.

To this day he is fondly remembered for his much-acclaimed portrayal of Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady.” One glowing review stated “Meyers manages to be both arrogant and likable at the same time as Prof. Higgins. He achieves the note of high pitched irritation in his voice that, since Rex Harrison, has characterized the part”.

Bette, who would help him memorize his lines, was another passionate fan of the stage, and would plan trips with Jim to the active theater scenes in New York, London, and Chicago. They enjoyed travel as a rule, taking to Paris and Ireland as they explored the world. Yet they also enjoyed the peace they could find at their Northwoods cabin near Eagle River, where Jim is quoted as saying, “I fish when I can, and hunt deer each November – because it’s them or us”.

Retiring in 1997, Jim always was ready to share both humor and advice to his family.  If Jim ever edited your writing, you would be sure to see a black mark through the word “very”. He told his children never to use that word since it “does nothing to strengthen your point”.

Jim’s mischievous nature had him lighting fireworks during the fourth and the occasional midday firecracker just for fun. A voracious reader, he loved to read anything: books, plays, newspapers, magazines, and sometimes even instruction manuals. Jim was also an active member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church, bringing his editing skills to the church bulletin and serving as a lector during weekend masses.

To the last day, he would never refuse a dry, vodka martini with a twist – and his children were there, happy to oblige him with his favorite drink.

He is survived by his wife, his four children: Monica (Dennis) Lonergan, Jane (John Garcia), James (Lisa), and William (CarolLynn); his thirteen grandchildren: Rory (Heather) Lonergan and Colleen (Josh) Lawrimore; Erin, James (Katrina), Michelle, Michael, Maxwell, Jack, Adam, Ryan, and Luke Meyers; Kayla (Drew) Montejo and Kyle Snyder: and his six great-grandchildren: Lily, Mia, Brayden, Ava, Allysa, and baby boy Lawrimore due in September. Jim is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Daniel A. and Theresa Meyers of Derby KS, and a special aunt Kathlyn (Kay) Meyers of Chicago.

Jim’s family sends their warm appreciation to all of the individuals at Hospice Alliance. They provided support and comfort during this difficult week. The family also gathered strength from the love given by Mary Gunjur. She wrapped Jim and his family in her arms and treated them as if they were her own. Mary has provided both physical and spiritual nourishment to Jim and Bette for many months. The family will never be able to repay her for this kindness.

A Visitation will take place at St Mark’s Catholic Church, 7117 14th Avenue in Kenosha, on Friday July 28th from 5pm-7pm. Services and a mass will also be held at Saint Mark’s Catholic Church on Saturday, July 29th at 9:30am. An additional visitation will take place at 9:00am at the church prior to services for anyone not able to attend Friday.

Jim will be very, very missed.