Obituary of James Martin Meister

James Martin Meister, 81, of State College, passed peacefully in his sleep Wednesday November 21, 2018.

Born August 21, 1937 in Wilkes Barre, he was the son of the late Harry and Sally Miller Meister. On August 7, 1960 he married Janet Weisberger, his wife of 58 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Beth Altus and her husband, Rich, of Media, and Karen Orem and her husband, Billy, of Darnestown, MD; five grandchildren, Ryan and Haley Altus, Erica, Justin and Brandon Orem, and a brother, Bob Meister of Palm Beach, FL.

In 1955, James graduated from Central High School in Scranton. He was a proud graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelors degree in Business Administration and Accounting. He also served in the United States Army.

James worked as a Marketing Executive for Alcoa from 1959 to 1988. He then served as Vice President for Cressona Aluminum from 1998-2002. Upon his retirement, he was appointed special Assistant to the Penn State Athletic Director from 2000-2005, where he served his beloved university. He was a dedicated mentor for students in the Smeal College of Business as well as many other aspects of the university.

James was a proud recipient of the Lions Paw award for his service to the university. This award honors individuals who have contributed outstanding services to Penn State while enhancing student life. He and his wife Janet dedicated a scholarship for Penn State Football Centers yearly. He was a member of the Congregation Brit Shalom and served as a trustee for the synagogue. James was president of the Quarterback Club and a founding member of the Bryce Jordan Center.

His greatest accomplishments were the love and support he gave to his family. The values he instilled within his family and community will live on forever.

Funeral service will be 1:30 PM, Friday November 23, 2018 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA with Rabbi David Ostrich officiating.

Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the the Congregation Brit Shalom building fund or to the Jim and Janet Meister Endowed Football Scholarship for the Center Position. Find ways to give below:

Ways to give to the football scholarship:

https://gopsusports.com/sports/2018/8/8/sports-c-lionclub-ways-to-give-html.aspx

Ways to give to the synagogue:

814-238-4611

admin@britshalomstatecollege.org 

https://www.britshalomstatecollege.org/