Jimmy Meris of Trinity NC ended his battle with Leukemia on July 17, 2010 at Baptist Hospital with his family by his side. He was born August 28, 1961 in Guilford County to Frank (Tuberose) and Frances Meris both of whom preceded him in death as did a brother Ronnie Lee. His remaining surviving brothers include Ray Meris and girlfriend Ruth Inman, William (Butch) Meris and wife Becky, Rickey Meris and wife Sherry, and Frankie Meris. Also, a sister Barbara Royal and husband Darrel remain.
In 1984, he married Wendy Boles and gained another family. In 1989, he welcomed his only child into the world, Brittany Lauren Meris. Lauren was the light of his life and he was so proud of her. Also surviving are Cindy Beeson and husband Jimmy, Luann Hubbard and husband Kenny and Karen Gillitzer whom he called his "Ice Lady" because in the last days that is what he could eat. Also surviving in both families are a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, aunts and cousins. Lastly, he leaves behind his beloved "little girl" Tinkerbell. He was never sure whether she thought that she was a human or he was a big dog, either way she is mourning his loss.
Jimmy enjoyed people,rarely meeting a stranger. Some he asked to be mentioned were friend and brother Kenny Hubbard, who took him hunting, Don and Lydia Bulla and their daughters, who kept his spirits high especially during his multiple hospitalizations, Danny Pope, he loved the guy time at the tire shop, Chris, Lynn, Lib, Ronald, and Deanna Kennedy along with Ray Bunn who took care of the home place while we were away.
While in the hospital in Nov,2009, Jimmy had cardiac arrest and was revived and it changed his life. He was able to share his story with so many people. Jimmy had faith in God as a little child and numerous times through his journey, he was comforted by angels. Jimmy was not afraid of dying, the mystery had been taken away. He knew where he would go. Jimmy loved God and thanked Him for all HE had done. Instead of being comforted about his departure, he was the one doing the comforting of others.
He wanted to thank Dr Lenny Peters and Amanda Taylor along with the staff of Bethany Medical Center and Peters Medical Research for the support that was given to him and his family during this journey. Also, thank you to "his girls" the nursing staff of 9 North at Baptist hospital. They treated him like family and we appreciate so much their love and kindness. Lastly, Dr Tim Pardee and Dr Leslie Ellis for doing battle against the beast called Leukemia. Your efforts will never be forgotten.
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling," 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
Jimmy's life and faith will be celebrated on Monday night at Davis Funeral from 6-8pm and his body will be laid to rest at Floral Garden on Tuesday at 11:00 am
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Pennies for Jimmy (bike ride)...
When I joined FaceBook originally it was to more easily stay in contact with Landon, Miranda, and Jessica (our kids), not so much to keep an eye on them, but to stay up to date on the events in their lives that were important enough to share but not important enough to call home about. Over time I have reconnected with old friends, made new friends, and learned a lot of really cool things about the people in my life. I have even been able to mend a burnt bridge or two from the past and to start building a network of contacts for my future in teaching.
When I started riding last year I was instantly hooked. One of the very first things I started day-dreaming about was riding a long distance over a period of a few days. I even posted (a long time ago) that I wanted to ride in the Crossing North Carolina cycling event and now I am. This is an organized event covering 400+ miles and taking seven days to ride from the mountains to the beach. There will be quite a few people riding so it is not just me hoping on my bike and trying to ride from Asheville to the beach.
Not too long after I decided to ride in the event this fall, I learned about Jimmy Meris's fight with Leukemia and contacted the family about using the ride to raise money and awareness and possibly to help support them during this long battle. Unfortunately Jimmy has lost his battle and passed away late yesterday afternoon (July 17th) due to complications from the intensive dosage of chemotherapy needed to battle the aggressive cancer.
We are still accepting donations for Jimmy at http://meris.chipin.com/jimmy-meris. This site will allow you to make a donation via PayPal and every penny raised will go to the family. If you donate one penny for every mile I ride, that is only $4.00. That's not much but it adds up, so every donation helps. For those who have donated already, we thank you. For those thinking of donating, please do. Showing your support means a lot, sometimes more than you might know.
I will post updates about the ride, training rides, pictures from the ride, etc. as things progress. If anyone is interested in participating in the ride, helping to raise donations, or just riding together sometime, please feel free to contact me. I would enjoy the company.
When I started riding last year I was instantly hooked. One of the very first things I started day-dreaming about was riding a long distance over a period of a few days. I even posted (a long time ago) that I wanted to ride in the Crossing North Carolina cycling event and now I am. This is an organized event covering 400+ miles and taking seven days to ride from the mountains to the beach. There will be quite a few people riding so it is not just me hoping on my bike and trying to ride from Asheville to the beach.
Not too long after I decided to ride in the event this fall, I learned about Jimmy Meris's fight with Leukemia and contacted the family about using the ride to raise money and awareness and possibly to help support them during this long battle. Unfortunately Jimmy has lost his battle and passed away late yesterday afternoon (July 17th) due to complications from the intensive dosage of chemotherapy needed to battle the aggressive cancer.
We are still accepting donations for Jimmy at http://meris.chipin.com/jimmy-meris. This site will allow you to make a donation via PayPal and every penny raised will go to the family. If you donate one penny for every mile I ride, that is only $4.00. That's not much but it adds up, so every donation helps. For those who have donated already, we thank you. For those thinking of donating, please do. Showing your support means a lot, sometimes more than you might know.
I will post updates about the ride, training rides, pictures from the ride, etc. as things progress. If anyone is interested in participating in the ride, helping to raise donations, or just riding together sometime, please feel free to contact me. I would enjoy the company.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Am I my brother's keeper....?
I think we are. I think payer is a very powerful tool, but I also think that God expects us to help care of each other when we can. It doesn't take much. Even a kind word can change a person's day for the better. Even when we do pray we do not always see God's answer because we are willing to accept anything less than a hand delivered gift.
I heard this story a very long time ago (while in church, I think). I have changed the wording but the message is the same...
There was a massive rain storm in a small town and the land was beginning to flood. As some of the people were leaving town, they passed old man Jenkins standing on his front porch. He lived alone and was a very private person who did not trust others very much.
As the rain continued and the water began to rise a boat floated by and someone asked him if he needed a ride out of town. Old man Jenkins replied, "God will save me if I need saving!" So they left him there.
Later, old man Jenkins was sitting on his rooftop watching the water continue to rise. A small motor boat came by and asked him to get in. They were offering to take him to safety. Old man Jenkins again said that God would save him and waved them away.
The rain persisted and the water continued to rise. By now, old man Jenkins was standing on his chimney and the water was just about to reach his feet. Suddenly another boat appeared and they once again asked him to get in. Old man Jenkins once again shouted that God would save him and he waved the boat away, so they left.
Well, the flood got worse and old man Jenkins was eventually washed away and drowned. When he got to Heaven, he was grateful to be there, of course, but he was confused. "God," he said, "Why did you not save me? I prayed and prayed and you did not save me?"
"Well," God said. "I sent three boats..."
I heard this story a very long time ago (while in church, I think). I have changed the wording but the message is the same...
There was a massive rain storm in a small town and the land was beginning to flood. As some of the people were leaving town, they passed old man Jenkins standing on his front porch. He lived alone and was a very private person who did not trust others very much.
As the rain continued and the water began to rise a boat floated by and someone asked him if he needed a ride out of town. Old man Jenkins replied, "God will save me if I need saving!" So they left him there.
Later, old man Jenkins was sitting on his rooftop watching the water continue to rise. A small motor boat came by and asked him to get in. They were offering to take him to safety. Old man Jenkins again said that God would save him and waved them away.
The rain persisted and the water continued to rise. By now, old man Jenkins was standing on his chimney and the water was just about to reach his feet. Suddenly another boat appeared and they once again asked him to get in. Old man Jenkins once again shouted that God would save him and he waved the boat away, so they left.
Well, the flood got worse and old man Jenkins was eventually washed away and drowned. When he got to Heaven, he was grateful to be there, of course, but he was confused. "God," he said, "Why did you not save me? I prayed and prayed and you did not save me?"
"Well," God said. "I sent three boats..."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)