NEWTOWN - Jesse James Meadows, 80, of Newtown, CT died surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, who had the patience of a saint, Ethel (Dayton) Meadows of Botsford.

Jesse was born January 31, 1937 in Elgood, West Virginia, the son of Herbert and Gladys (Nelson) Meadows.  He was employed by Bridgeport Insulated Wire Company in Stratford, CT for many years. In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fly fishing for trout and camping with his family at Housatonic Meadows Campground in Cornwall, CT.  He was a member of the Newtown Coon Club.  He loved his champion German Plott Coon Hounds, especially Smokey Joe.  He loved to travel with Ethel (Alaska and Yellowstone were favorites).  Railroads and bluegrass music were his passions. The Norfolk & Western Railway line was his favorite because it reminded him of West Virginia.  He liked the NCAA Boys Basketball tournament, especially rooting for the Duke Blue Devils.  He also painted and was a fan of Bob Ross.  He and Ethel were avid gardeners.

Jesse and Ethel were members of the United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook, CT.   He was a resident of Newtown for more than 60 years. He was predeceased by his sister Phyllis Meadows and brother Kenneth Meadows both of West Virginia.  In addition to his wife Ethel, he is survived by his daughter Kathy Crisci of Southbury, his son Jesse Jr. and wife Jessica (Brown) Meadows of New Milford, his son Joseph and wife Susan (Kokoska) Meadows of Meriden, his grandchildren Jessica, Tyler, Jacob, Joey, Jesse III, Christina and Julia, one great-granddaughter August and many nieces and nephews.

Jesse always had a smile for you and perhaps a nickname.  He adored Ethel, and he loved his children and his family.  He enjoyed playing with and teasing his grandchildren.  Many called him Jesse, few called him Mr. Meadows, but his family just called him Pops.

There will be a memorial service for Jesse Meadows at 10:30 am Saturday, March 11 at the Newtown United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook, CT.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. Munson Lovetere Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.