Jesse James Meadows, 80, of Newtown died surrounded by his family on March 4, at Griffin Hospital in Derby. He was born January 31, 1937, in Elgood, W.Va., the son of Gladys (Nelson) and Herbert Meadows. He was a resident of Newtown for more than 60 years.

His beloved wife of 57 years, who the family says has the patience of a saint, Ethel (Dayton) Meadows of Botsford, survives him. In addition to his wife, his children Kathy Crisci of Southbury, Jesse Jr and wife Jessica (Brown) Meadows of New Milford, and Joseph and wife Susan (Kokoska) Meadows of Meriden; his grandchildren Jessica, Tyler, Jacob, Joey, Jesse III, Christina, and Julia; one great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews survive Mr Meadows. His sister Phyllis Meadows and brother Kenneth Meadows, both of West Virginia, predeceased him.

Mr Meadows was employed by Bridgeport Insulated Wire Company in Stratford 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. He was a member of the Newtown Coon Club. He loved his champion German Plott coonhounds, 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.

Mr and Mrs Meadows were were avid gardeners and also members of the United Methodist Church in Sandy Hook.

He always had a smile for people and perhaps a nickname. He adored his wife, 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, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home, 235 Main Street North, Southbury, has been entrusted with the arrangements.