James "Chico" Meyer

JAMES “CHICO” MEYER

APPLETON – James R. “Chico” Meyer, 81, with his family at his side left this world on November 6, 2018 to be with his Savior. James was born on November 18, 1936 in Appleton to Robert and Edna Meyer.

In the seventh grade James received his nickname “Chico” named after his idol Chico Carrasquel, a Venezuelan professional baseball player. During junior high school, Chico was the high point scorer in basketball and lettered in football at Appleton West High School. After graduating high school in 1956, Chico was hired by Kimberly Clark in Kimberly and worked there until he retired in 2001. Chico also drove school bus for fifteen years.

Chico loved sports. He loved playing basketball, softball, volleyball and football in various city leagues. One of his favorite basketball tournaments was the Holy Cross Open in Kaukauna. After many years of playing, coaching, and watching games at that tournament, Chico won the 2017 Outstanding Fan Award and the $100 half court shot award. Chico also loved his family cottage at Spencer Lake Christian Center. He spent all his summers there during his retirement. His family would visit, and Chico would make the biggest campfires in the area. Chico also enjoyed feeding birds and setting up over 25 bird houses at the Cottage and his home. His most favorite pastime was going to the annual state fair in both Wisconsin and Minnesota where he enjoyed food and music. Most of all he enjoyed meeting people and letting people know of his relationship with Jesus.

Chico is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue Carol; their 5 children James Jr. (Mary) Meyer, Vicki (Jim) Penzenstadler, Debbie (Jeff) Huelsbeck, Jeffrey (Pamela) Meyer, and Andy Meyer; their 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM at FOX VALLEY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, 1200 W. Kimberly Ave. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. A private burial will be held at Spencer Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for Spencer Lake Christian Center. A special thank you to Thedacare Hospice and their caring staff.