James Irving Meline

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James Irving (Jim) Meline passed away on November 5, 2018 in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on November 22, 1931 to Mourice Aldrich and Irving Nels Meline in Algona, Iowa. He grew up on a farm outside of Buffalo, New York. In 1951, after graduating from high school, he joined the Navy and served during the Korean Conflict as a Radarman. Following the Navy, Jim began attending the University of Houston, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics. While at U of H, Jim met and eventually married La Verne Sneed in 1957. During their 28-year marriage, they raised 4 children: Donna, Ken, Mark, and Sonia. He coached numerous baseball and softball teams for each of his kids, and never missed a child's sports game, band performance or recital. He was very active in each of his children's lives and was very proud of their accomplishments. Later in life, he and longtime companion, Joyce Havard, enjoyed traveling around the United States and Europe. Over the years, Jim worked in a variety of retail establishments. In his spare time, he loved to create things with his hands for his family; from furniture and travel bingo games to backyard forts and wooden puzzles for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to give hand-crafted gifts. Jim was known for his sense of humor and always had a joke at the ready to draw a laugh. Even in his last days, he had his audience laughing.

He is survived by his children Donna Meline, Ken Meline (Belva McNamara), and Sonia Meline Matson (Mark Matson); grandchildren David Meline (Jordan Glasener), Elliot Matson, Ian Matson and Emma Matson; great-grandchildren, Luke Meline and Benjamin Meline and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Mark Meline (son), Jeremy Meline (grandson), Margie Meline Blessing (sister) and Warren Meline (brother)

A chapel service with military honors

Monday, December 17, 2018 2:00 PM Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veteran's Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77038

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation [maxbutton id="2" url="https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate/" text="Donate Here" linktitle="Gary Sinise Foundation" ]