James Edwin Meyer Jr.

Retired Bartlesville Police Officer James (Jim) Edwin Meyer Jr. passed away on August 29, 2023 at his home in Dewey, Oklahoma. Jim was born on July 22, 1956 in Kansas City, Missouri to James Edwin Meyer Sr. and Margaret Olevia Brewster. He spent his early years in Lee Summit, Missouri and attended Lee Summit High School, graduating in 1974. Following high school, Jim attended Central Missouri State University, earning his undergraduate and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Following graduation, Jim began his law enforcement career in Olathe, Kansas before accepting a position with the Bartlesville Police Department in May of 1981. Early in his career, Jim was shot and seriously wounded in the line of duty, earning a Purple Heart Award. Following his recovery, Jim was instrumental in the creation of the Critical Incident Response Team, a team that is still active today. He was an instructor for Law Enforcement Drivers Training. He was named BPD Officer of the Year in 1998, and later helped implement the Washington County Drug Court. Jim retired in October 2017. Jim’s interests outside of law enforcement included supporting the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, collecting and firing guns, fast cars, road trips, and all things Red, White, and Blue. Jim was a true patriot. He loved our country and he wasn’t afraid to show it. Those who knew Jim realized his greatest achievement in life was his relationship with his three sons, Trent, Brandon, Cameron, their families and all their friends. He was not only a wonderful father to his sons, but a best friend to each one. If there was a family gathering, a birthday party, sports events, or a campout, Jim was always present. His grandchildren lovingly called him Grumpy, and he took an active part in each of their lives. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Edwin Meyer, Sr. and his mother Margaret Olevia Meyer. Jim is survived by his sister Jackie Hendrick of Texas, sons John, James and Douglas Bracken of the Kansas City area, Trent and Jennifer Meyer and children Ashlynne, Jera, Dodge, and Charlie of Bartlesville, Brandon Meyer and son Ryder of Dewey, Cameron and Paige Meyer and daughters Peyton and Harper of Bartlesville. A memorial service will be held September 11 at 3pm at the Bartlesville Community Center. At 5pm, friends are invited to Crossing 2nd for a farewell gathering, with a final toast to our friend at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 444 E St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001.

James Edwin Meyer Jr.

July 22, 1956 - August 29, 2023