"I\'m am glad I had the chance to get to know Kathy. She always went out of her way to get to know you. She was a very lovely lady and the love you had for her was a special. My deepest sympathy for the loss you have. Love Lynn"
On January 16, 2015, the world lost a beautiful soul--Kathlene Jones Meador, 68, who lived a full, vibrant and inspiring life in spite of having to cope with MS for 35 years. Those who were lucky enough to know her knew a loving, high-spirited, courageous, quirky, imaginative, intelligent, and humorous lady. Kathy was born in Tucson, Arizona on October 5, 1946. She attended Rincon High, Northern Arizona University, and graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a degree in special education. She taught high school students with special needs in San Diego, California; St. Louis, Missouri; and in Arizona at Agua Fria High and Washington High School. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Keeth Jones, and her father, TJ Jones. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, James R. Meador Jr., M.D., her beloved Brittany spaniels, sister Karen Jones Campbell (Andy), niece Korby Trocha, nephew Spencer Campbell, 11 cousins, and countless cherished friends. A celebration of her life will be held on February 22, 2015, 1:00 PM at the Moon Valley Country Club, 151 West Moon Valley Drive, Phoenix, Arizona, where friends are encouraged to share their favorite Kathy stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to your favorite charity in her honor.
"I\'m am glad I had the chance to get to know Kathy. She always went out of her way to get to know you. She was a very lovely lady and the love you had for her was a special. My deepest sympathy for the loss you have. Love Lynn"
"Jim and Karen, I am so sorry to learn of Kathlene\'s death and I hope you are comforted by the fact that she is, at last, dancing in heaven. She was an inspiration to so many and had a way of filling a room with joy. As much as I have not been part of her life for many years, I carry fond memories and always will. She taught me how to dive in Dorothy and TJ\'s ice box swimming pool and I remember her patience and kindness. The angels will learn much from her and I know Cliff and Olivia, Larry, Kak, Halene and Ralph, and my precious Louise were all waiting for her arrival. Be comforted in knowing we will be reunited for eternity. You are all in my prayers. Sincerely, Pam (Atlanta, GA)"
"Dear Jim, Ken and I were so sorry to hear about Kathy. She truly was a \"Special Lady\". You\'re in our thoughts--and in our hearts. Thinking of you and your family. Love, Marlene & Ken Prebil"
"Dear Jim, I was so sorry to see that Kathy has passed. I had the pleasure of seeing her several times in the past few years. She was always so gracious and funny and full of life. She was truly an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With love, Madge"
"Hi Jim: Oh, the memories we all had in the Take Two tennis days! The laughs we had with Kathy\'s booze cart in Wickenburg, the list goes on and on. She was sooo special and such a strong beacon of light. You are and always have been an awesome husband, friend to all of us and the best eye doctor in town! I lost Alex five years ago and the twinge in the heart gets better but never goes away. Will see you on the 22nd for a hug. Kathy will be looking down from heaven and smiling I just know it......see you soon. Love, Betty"
"Please accept our deepest condolences, Dr. Meador. May the joy and warmth of happy memories bring you comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Wow--35 years of memories would be hard to condense--memories of camping, skiing, traveling, movies, dinners, and just talks on the phone. We have lost one of our best friends, but she will continue to inspire us as she always has. What a blessing to have known her and Jim for all these years! As Gene said, \"No one has borne the cross of MS with more grace and dignity than Kathy and Jim.\" Love..."
"Dear Jim, When I think of Kathy, I always think of our Take Two Tennis days. She was so much fun, and everything seemed to be brighter and happier when she was around. It was a privilege to know both of you, and to see the love and devotion between you. She is at peace now, and I hope you will find some peace also, during these difficult days. Joette"
"Jim: I was sad to read of Kathy\'s passing. I think of our good times with Take Two often. See you February 22."
"Jim, I am very sorry for your loss. I send thoughts and condolences."
"Kathy and Jim, what a couple to respect and admire. With huge appreciation to be able to know you both. My memories are many and most fond, Sharon"
"I do not know Kathlene but I owe a great deal to her spouse who protects my ability to see today and tomorrow. Warmest condolences Dr. Jim Meador. -dean"
"Jim, so sorry to hear about Kathy. her ready smile was always a most welcome greeting at the AOS meetings in Flagstaff or whenever anyone came in contact with her. Your devotion and the care you provided during the long battle with MS were a testimonial of your love. My sister died of MS last year and was defeated by the disease retreating from life; whereas, I was always so impressed and touched by the way you and Kathy seemed to meet the challenges of her MS and were able to keep smiling . Errol and Berry Sweet"
"Dear Jim. So sorry to hear about Kathy\'s death. She was so special to so many people. I haven\'t seen her for so long but will always remember what a fun and loving person she was. You were the best husband ever..I\'m sure that is why she lived so long. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Kathy certainly had a spirit of carpe diem. Even though she lived with MS, she lived life to the fullest while showing such great courage and kindness. I will continue to be inspired by h.ow she lived her life and how she cared about others. May her husband, Jim; her sister, niece, nephew cousins, and many, many friends find strength and peace in this difficult time."
"We are so deeply sorry for your families loss. We give our deepest condolences."
"James, So sorry to read about your wife\'s death. Although I only met her at several Phoenix Ophthalmological Society meetings she was always upbeat and never let her disability get in the way of enjoying herself. Thinking about you during this tough time. Bob Lewis"