James Russell Meyer, 89, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He was born on December 29, 1936 to parents Paul and Elizabeth (Fabrello) Meyer. He accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord of his life at a young age.
After growing up in northern Minnesota, he went to work at Reserve Mining in Silver Bay, MN for 14 years. In 1959 he met and married Mary Schoenwether. To this union they were blessed with two children, Scott and Shelley. He and his family moved to Rice Lake, WI for a short period of time before coming to Frederic in 1971, where he became a State Farm agent. In 1980 he married Phyllis Christensen, and with this he added two more children, Darryl and Wendy. Jim and Phyllis ran the insurance business until retiring in 2001.
Jim was active in his community in a number of ways. He was a vital part of the Lions Club, earning high rewards, and always helped with Frederic Family Days flipping burgers and brats at the park. Jim and Phyllis were honored with the Frederic Citizen of the Year award in 2015. He also served as village president for two years.
Crosswalk Community Church has been his home for 46 years. He led a community Wednesday morning men’s Bible study for more than 50 years. Jim was an avid fisherman, from Coon Lake to many northern lakes. Anyone who knew Jim knew about his love for lutefisk. He enjoyed mowing the lawn and caring for God’s creation, while watching the wildlife around him. Trips to Arizona were a winter highlight.
Family was always a priority for Jim. He found great joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and that happiness could be seen in his smile. Above all was Jim’s love for God and his desire for all to know His eternal salvation.
Jim was preceded in death by his son Scott Meyer, sister Betty Hebert, and brother Robert Meyer.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Phyllis, of 45 years; his children Shelley (Tony) Mazelin, Darryl (Sherri) Christensen, Wendy (Leonard) Knauber; daughter in law Angie Meyer; brothers Larry (Halette) Meyer, and Gary (Kathy) Meyer; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
We would like to thank the Frederic Care Center staff and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care.