James “David” Meadows, 76
June 9, 1948 – April 3, 2025
James “David” Meadows of Tupelo passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo after an extended illness.
Funeral services honoring his life will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 1 p.m. at Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Reggie Miller and Bro. Tony Kelsie officiating. Music will be provided by Bro. Randy Wood. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Blue Mountain Cemetery.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11 A.M. until time of service.
Born on June 9, 1948, in Ripley, Mississippi, to Alton and Vivian Dollar Meadows, David began his education in Ripley in 1954 and graduated from high school in 1966. He continued his studies at Northeast Mississippi Community College before earning a degree in biology and chemistry from Mississippi College, where he graduated in the top 10 of a 410-member class.
A lifelong learner, David earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975 and pursued a doctoral degree, completing all coursework except for his dissertation.
David dedicated his career to education, steadily rising through the ranks in Mississippi’s school systems. He began as a teacher before advancing to principal and administrator for the Moss Point School District. He later served as Superintendent of the Quitman School District and Deputy Superintendent of the Tupelo Public School District. He concluded his distinguished career as Interim Superintendent in Tupelo, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.
On November 12, 1970, he married Virginia Mason, and together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion to the Lord until her passing on May 26, 2022. Their family was joyfully completed in 1981 when they adopted their son, Jonathan.
David was a faithful member of Anchor Church in Verona. He hoped that his life would bring peace and joy to others, leading them closer to Jesus.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Jonathan David Meadows (Tina) of Tupelo; two brothers, Derrick Meadows (Sherrye) of Blue Mountain and Joel Meadows (Judy) of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Thomas and Venesia Mason, both of Blue Mountain; his grandson, Micah McNeil of Walnut; and a host of loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of over 50 years, Virginia; and three brothers-in-law, Ronnie Mason, Bill Mason, and Greg Thomas.
Serving as pallbearers will be Micah McNeil, Frank Slay, Craig Meadows, Brigg Mason, Hunter Mason, and Kevin Jeffcoat.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Ranch at The Anchor Church in Verona, Mississippi.
The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Meadows family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
