Fr. James Meyer passed from this life on Feb. 1 at the age of 86.
Fr. Meyer was born on May 6, 1934, in Detroit, and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 4, 1960.
Early in his ministry, Fr. Meyer served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Dearborn (1960-64) and St. Benedict Parish in Waterford (1966-71). Later, he served as a hospital and campus chaplain, including at Wayne State University’s medical school, Kensington Academy, Children’s Hospital and DMC-Hutzel Hospital.
Fr. Meyer earned a master’s degree in foreign relations and government in 1969 from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Government. He received his JD Law degree in 1973 from The Detroit College of Law.
His ministry included children with cystic fibrosis, which led him to create The Chalfonte Foundation whose mission is “to provide spiritual, psychological, recreational, financial and educational support for children, youth and other individuals and families in need.” The foundation provides an array of activities throughout the year that cater to kids and families in need.
Jim was: a fierce advocate for peace and justice for all people; a peaceful prostester of injustices; a comforter to the sick and dying; an ardent environmentalist who always practiced what he preached; a stanch advocate for the City of Detroit, living there himself in a Midtown loft; an avid competitor in his social activities such as cards but especially backgammon. His homilies, though lengthy, were based in spirituality applied to daily life.
Visitation for Fr. Meyer will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 2-7 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks, Troy, Michigan 48084, and on Friday, Feb. 12, from 2-7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 1000 Eliot, Detroit, Michigan 48207. Because of the pandemic, the family will have a private funeral Mass on Saturday, Feb. 13, with interment at Mt. Elliot Cemetery. The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” for Fr. Meyer at a future date.
Fr. Meyer is the beloved brother of Mary Meyer Neff, the late Sr. Jean Meyer, IHM, and Robert L. Meyer. Fr. Meyer was predeceased by his parents, Matthias and Alice Meyer. Memorial Tributes to the Chalfonte Foundation, 4600 Woodward Ave. Ste. 308, Detroit, MI 48201.
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