James Collins MEEK III
James Collins Meek III, PhD
James Collins Meek III died peacefully holding the hand of his Sweetheart, Jeannette, at his home on May 7, 2024 at 1:10am. He was 84 years old. He died of Pancreatic Cancer less than three months after the diagnosis. Left to remember him with much love are his devoted and beloved wife of 30 years, Jeannette (Preete) Meek; His Children – Jim (Michelle Turcotte) Meek, Tanya (Niel Nielson) Meek, Lori Meek, Seana Meek, Robert Meek; and His Step-Children – Leah (Blake) Earl, Charlene Laluk, Lowell (Lena) Laluk and Jason Laluk; 22 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren.
Remembering Collins with fondness are his Siblings: Anita Meek, Chet Meek, Gary (Helen) Meek, Emily (Ian) Meek and Norman (Carol) Meek. He was pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Louise Meek and a daughter, Deborah Meek.
Born in Rossland, B.C. on October 23, 1939, Collins was a bright, energetic child who survived Scarlet Fever which left him with some hearing loss and Polio (from which he was miraculously healed by the power of God). He learned that faith can get you through your difficulties and laughter makes the journey brighter.
J. Collins Meek, PhD has been a life-long Learning Specialist, Researcher, Teacher and Editor. The Calgary PROFILE MAGAZINE wrote of Doc Meek, “Dr. Meek brings a unique blend of warmth, intelligence and humor to everything he does.” “Doc,” as he is affectionately called by many, is a learning facilitator, family systems counselor, career counselor, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) counselor, and consultant, with wide experience in many aspects of education: teaching, learning, ESL (English as a Second Language), counseling, research, finance and administration – in regular and special needs settings, grade school through post-secondary, and in the workplace.”
As an Entrepreneur, Collins has owned and operated many businesses. Years ago, he rescued a friend from a job that was hazardous to his health and set him up to work as a Cab Driver. The hours were long, but the air was clean!
Doc Meek owned and successfully operated The Learning Clinic, INC. for many years. He had offices in both Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. He taught his children the value of hard, honest work. He wholeheartedly believed (and manifest by his actions) one of his favorite scriptures, “But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.” (2 Nephi 9: 29)
Collins was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holding and magnifying many callings. Collins served as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from October 1999 to February 2002 where he was appointed as an Adjunct Professor, out of the School of Education, BYU-Hawaii assigned to the Tongan Islands in the South Pacific to facilitate teacher and student development in the International Teacher Education Program.
Collins loved researching and doing Family Genealogy and Temple Work. Helen came to visit him just before he passed. He knew she is a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Edmonton Alberta Temple. He asked for his Temple bag to be opened. In it he had the name of an ancestor who needed to be sealed to his family. He asked Helen if she would make sure that work was done because, he said, “He has been waiting over two hundred years to be sealed to his parents.” Of course, Helen said she would do that for him. He was so happy and relieved! That’s the kind of man Collins was… always thinking of others even when he was so very, very sick himself.
Doc Meek has co-authored many books and publications. For the past twenty years, Collins has been battling the growing effects of Parkinsons. Typing on the Computer became extremely painful and almost impossible. Despite extreme shaking and fatigue from Parkinsons, and despite the fact that he had to type with only one finger, Collins recently completed his last and most important book entitled “What If You Are Smarter Than You Think?” This book is truly a treasure and teaches 27 inspired strategies to outwit Learning Difficulties.
As a man of great integrity, Collins was trusted, admired and honored by all who truly knew him. Collins loved the Lord. He loved doing Genealogy and Temple Work. Collins loved his wife, Jeannette, and honored and respected her in all things. Their marriage on July 2, 1994 at Sandy Beach, Alberta, Canada and their Temple Sealing on March 27, 1999 in the Jordan River Temple, South Jordan, Utah, USA were the most treasured and important days of his life.
Collins was a man of great faith, walking without fear even in times of trial and great danger. He believed that “with God all things are possible.” (Alma 37:37), and sought to follow the promptings of the Spirit. He taught his children to walk uprightly before the Lord and to seek learning.
James Collins Meek 111 – a man of honor; a man of integrity; a man of faith; a man of humility; a man of love and pure intentions. Punctilious in all things. Fearless and fun. Collins imparted a sense of decency, resourcefulness and good humor to his family and others. Even in his final hours, he was optimistic.
“How are you feeling?” they would ask. “Good! Never better!” he would reply. (With a Thumbs Up!)
He had a sense of humor right to the very end. “You look …” they would start to say. “Mellow yellow,” he would finish with a twinkle in his eye and big smile on his face. Charlene was straightening his bed sheet. Collins took her hand and said, “I want to be free!” She cried. After two days of not being able to speak at all, while holding hands, he looked at Jeannette and spoke his final words, “Jeannette, I LOVE YOU!”
My Dad passed away on May 7, 2024. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions over the past few days as I finished my last law school exam, got my green card, and heard he had passed before I could go see him. I knew my dear Dad was declining quickly from pancreatic cancer. Despite feeling very sad, I’m comforted by the fact that he lived a full and amazing life. He supported me in getting my law degree so unwaveringly. He died knowing I completed it, and I’m sure that brought him joy in those last hours. He was so helpful to my family and me over the years. Everyone will miss their Opa so greatly. He was the reason I made it through both my undergrad and my law degree, as he had instilled in me the growth mindset needed to undertake such daunting goals. He helped me with loving advice raising my children. He knew where he’d gone wrong as a young father, and implored me to be gentle and forgiving. Our relationship strengthened through the years and I understood myself better through our long conversations. I will miss him so much. Love you, Dad!
Hi Jeannette,
What terrible news. My condolences to you and your family. Collins has gone home to his Father. God Blessd him. I am sure you are missing him dearly. Please send me a link so I can access the Zoom link… maybe a code?
Thank you and love always,
Joanna xx
Sending love and prayers.
I’m sorry for your loss. Cancer is a terrible monster. How are you doing?
Charlie was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 2019 and had radiation throughout 2020. I feel so blessed to have him.
Love,
Kayleen
Jeannette,
I was so sad to see that Doc had passed. He was such a sweet man,. I always enjoyed our talks and our occassional emails these last few years. I am glad to hear that he did not experience a lot of pain and discomfort.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
DeAnn
We share your loss, Jeannette. We are grateful that he was not in pain for the last part of his mortal journey. All the best to you in all things for time and all eternity. Craig and Val Reilly
Our deepest condolences to you during this time. We miss him. He was a great blessing in our lives. This morning I worked in the Jordan River Temple. I truly fekt his Spirit and I know he continues to live on the other side of the veil. We love you and continue praying for you. Ofa lahi atu!
Sila and Ema Fonua
Hi Auntie Jeannette,
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle’s passing. I love you so much. We are thinking of you. We will be in California on the day of his funeral but we will join online. Sending loads of hugs.
Kelty
Jeannette, I am so sorry about your husband. Cancer is a miserable illness. I am sorry for your loss but I am happy that if he had to have cancer that it was not the painful process for him that it usually is for others. Sending my condolences and prayers.
Much love, Jean (Baty) Momberger
Hi Jeannette,
We are so sorry and shocked to hear of Doc’s passing. He was truly a great man who always had time to help others and share his wealth of knowledge. We have many fond memories of him at hyperbarics, presenting at Daz’s school, and visiting both of you socially.
One fond memory we have is Doc came to our house to consult with Daz. We were downstairs in what was essentially Daz’s therapy room. Doc, in his full three piece suit, was lying on the floor next to Daz fully engaging him. I always loved his playful nature and ability to meet you where you were.
Our thoughts and love are with you.
Renee, Derek & Daz
Good Evening, Jeannette,
This is very sad news. I am so sorry for your loss. I am currently working out of North Dakota in the Oil & Gas Industry and saw your emails that brought tears and sadness. I sat down and remembered everything about Doc. He is a special person in my life. He is my best friend, Father figure and also a good teacher. I know that without him, I would not be who I am now.
I wanted to let you know, I am coming next week, Friday the 24th, to show my respect and salute to Doc for everything that he has done for me and my family. I really miss you guys. You were more than parents to me. I love you guys and hope to see you soon.
Love and respect,
Sione Kaafi
My sincerest condolences, Jeannette. He was blessed to have you in his life and by his side right until his last breath. Thank you for including me. I will be travelling on May 25th, but will be thinking of you and Charlene.
Love, Ang
Dear Jeannette,
I’ve just seen the notice of Collins’ passing. I’m sending condolences and much love.
Carlann
Ohhh. Wow. So , so sad… But so much appreciate the thoughtful words and describing his beautiful, peaceful departure. He’s been a real giant and helpful friend and will be sorely missed. I am glad you were there until the end. I wish I were in the States, I would have come to the funeral, but I am in Ha’apai.
Please give him my love. Let him know how much he blessed my life. I love you both so much. Grateful for the Gospel knowing we will continue our relationship again.
We always talked about our sitting on that hill looking down on that beautiful city and make sense of all our trials.
See you soon my gentle giant.
‘ofa lahi atu!!
Uinise
Hello, Jeannette,
Cal and I have sure been thinking of you all week. I’m sorry for the sadness that you are going through. We hope you feel the love of our family and from the Saviour. I’s so grateful to have met Collins last week and feel the goodness in your home.
We will be attending the funeral.
With love,
Sheila and Cal Hatch
Dear Jeannette,
Such a time of sorrow! My heart, empathy and love reach out to you as you learn to live without your Collins near your side. Your love and devotion to each other was evident to me when I used to see you both in the Temple. You brought joy into his life, I could tell. I will be at the funeral and will see you then.
Much love,
Audrey
So sorry to learn of Collins’ passing. May the Lord bless and comfort you at this time. My heart aches for your loss and pray the Lord will bring you comfort at this time.
Love you,
Marietta and John
I heard about Collins’ passing, so sad to hear. I remember my mother saying sge felt Harry’s presence long after he was gone. I’m glad that you have family close by to support you. I would love to read Collins’s book if it’s published. Let me know where I can get a copy.
Thanks for the Zoom details. If I’m not flying home at the time I will join.
Thinking about you,
Nadia
Dear Jeannette,
We are sorry to hear this news about Collins passing away. He sounds like a wonderful person and partner. I am grateful that you had many wonderful years together. Thank you for sharing about your experience of being together and saying good-bye in such a blessed, peaceful experience. It is sad to lose such a precious person, and you have an eternal perspective and hope.
Love to you and your family,
Janet and Dennis
Hi Jeannette,
I’m so sorry, but at the same time rejoice that he has gone to his eternal reward. He was such a good man. He was the finest of people. I loved him as a friend, and have missed being able to sit and talk with him. He was a deep thinker. I have so many fond memories of him.
My condolences to you. I remember when your relationship started. He was so excited. I remember his excitement as we travelled to the wedding. I am grateful that your relationship with him allowed him to live the rest of his life in happiness. I know that he is excited that your relationship will extend into the eternities. What a comfort to know that.
Take care. May God bless you at this time of sorrow, and yet understand that you will be with him forever.
Larry
Dr. Meek and his beautiful wife Jeannette gave me my very first grown up job. I worked for them for a year as a secretary while they served an Educational Mission in Tonga. I learned so many lessons from Dr. Meek. He coached me on how to create a resume, how to put my best foot forward, and how to project confidence even when my shy and self-conscious nature felt anything but confident. It’s been over 29 years, but Dr. Meek and Jeannette Meek have sent me a birthday email every year, checking in on me. Today’s my 49th birthday, and I couldn’t help but think about how blessed my life has been because I was lucky enough that they took a chance on me at age 16, a newly graduated kid who was trying to learn how to be a grown up. The Meeks will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Our condolences to the Meek family.