Jim's Obituary

James Baker Meeks "Jim" James Baker Meeks, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 after a 15-month battle with spindle-cell sarcoma, a rare cancer. He was born October 11, 1956, in Concord, CA, the third child of Arden Earl Meeks and Dixie Ann Baker.
Jim married his high-school sweetheart, Patricia Jo Godfrey, on August 18, 1978 in the Salt Lake Temple after serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in numerous church callings, especially cherishing his time as Bishop of the BYU 53rd Ward from 2004 - 2007.
Jim began his career as a proud firefighter/paramedic for the Salt Lake County Fire Department, where he worked for eight years before completing the Physician Assistant program at the University of Utah in 1992. He also served briefly in the Army Reserve before being released honorably due to a serious injury to his hand. Jim practiced as a PA from 1992 - 2008, when his illness prevented him from working more. He tirelessly worked for the advancement of his profession, and among other things served as President of the AFPPA from July 1, 2008 to the day he died. He received many awards and honors, among which were 1990 Utah Public Employee of the Year, Utah Physician Assistant of the Year in 1995, and Distinguished Fellow of the AAPA in 2008. No matter how busy he was Jim always made time for the greatest love in his life, his wife and family.
His mother, father, stepmother Sherry Carr Meeks, and one sister preceded Jim in death. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Patricia; devoted children, Clint (Jen), Mariah (Enrique), Coleton, Clayton, Makell; adoring grandchildren, Boston and Roman; seven siblings, and all those who knew him.
Services will be Monday, May 4, 2009, 1:00 p.m., Lindon Central Stake Center, 50 E 600 N, Lindon, UT. Friends may call at the same address on Sunday from 6 - 8 p.m. or on Monday at 11 a.m - 12:45 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Goff Mortuary, 8090 S State Street, Midvale, UT, 84047. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to ATTN: University of Utah, c/o Dr. Chen/Gouw's Sarcoma Research, 540 Arapeen Drive, Ste. 250, SLC, UT 84108.