Mr. J.P. "James" Meece

July 10, 1941 - December 9, 2016

J.P. (James) Meece, 75, of Arden, died Friday, December 9, 2016. The son of the late Roy and Lillian Marlow Meece, J.P. worked as a carpenter and home builder most of his life. J.P. married his wife, Betty J. Conner Meece in 1962, and resided in Arden, NC. He was a wonderful husband and father for 54 years. A great dad who loved his children and their families, especially loving the time spent with the “grands” and “greats.” J.P. enjoyed the outdoors, his family and going to flea markets where he met a lot of friends. He loved to talk “old times” with anyone who would listen. Preaching and gospel music became his favorite kind of life. In addition to his parents, Mr. Meece was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth D. Meece; brother and his wife Kermit and Betty Meece, brothers, Arvil, Boyce, David, and Eric Meece, sister and her husband Eithel and James O’Kelly. He is survived by his wife Betty of Arden; sons, Tony V. and his wife Anita S. Meece of Salisbury, NC and Scott A. and his wife Melinda J. Meece of Arden daughter and fiancé Tina M. Meece and Robert Bodwell of Shelby, NC; grandchildren, Andrew Jones, Jessica Meece, Tabatha Hartman, Dustin Rice, Robert Bodwell Jr., and Scott Bodwell; great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kayleigh, and Autumn; sisters, Jeannie M. Marriott and Nanci M. and husband Milo Garren; inlaws, Bill, Buddy, Bobby and Barbara Conner; and several nieces and Nephews. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church from 3-4:00PM, a funeral service will start at 4:00PM with Pastor Greg Pippin officiating. Graveside rites to follow. Highlands Cremation & Funeral Care, 2393 Hendersonville Rd., Arden is in charge of the arrangements.