Ben Jeff Meadows, Jr.

MEADOWS, Ben Jeff, Jr.

B. J. Meadows, Jr., 93, of Tampa, FL, passed away on February 22, 2015, in Atlanta, GA. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, son, and friend, serving as a family practice physician to the Tampa community for 46 years. Dr. Meadows’ practice of medicine spanned 52 years.

Dr. Jeff Meadows married Jean Goretsky Meadows on July 9, 1949. They were married 51 years and raised four children. Jeff was born on January 27, 1922 in Louvale, GA and moved with his family several years later to High Springs, FL, where he grew up. A child of the Great Depression, Jeff helped his father with any odd jobs available, and his family’s faith in God also sustained them through these difficult times. After graduating from High Springs High School, Jeff left home to complete his undergraduate studies at University of Florida and Cornell University. In 1948, he obtained his MD degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Shortly afterwards, Dr. Meadows and his new wife sailed to Japan, where he was part of the American Occupation Forces post WWII. The Korean Conflict then ensued. During this time, Dr. Meadows served in Korea as Regimental Surgeon, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, eventually attaining the rank of Major. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone.

Stateside, Dr. Meadows first began practicing medicine in Dade City, FL, moving to Tampa in 1953. He set up a general practice, Drs. Myers and Meadows, with his friend and medical school colleague, Rex Myers, Jr., MD. Dr. Meadows was on staff at Tampa General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and multiple nursing homes. For many years, he made house calls. In 1974, Dr. Meadows became a Charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice. He was also a founding member of Memorial Hospital of Tampa. In later years, Dr. Meadows was an adjunct professor at USF Medical School and treated patients at the USF Student Health Clinic.

Dr. Meadows was a steadfast member of Bayshore Baptist Church for 60 years, where he served several times as Chairman of the Board of Deacons and, in later years, as a Stephen Minister. Dr. Jeff regularly volunteered his medical services at the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic, and he served on the Board of Directors at Alafia House, a residential facility for mentally disabled adults.

Jeff liked sports and games, and he had an understated competitive streak. He ran track in high school and at the University of Florida, thereafter a lifelong Gator football fan. Jeff was a member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf for many years. He liked playing bridge with friends and, after retirement, traveling, especially to places of natural beauty in the U.S. Jeff had a great sense of humor, and to those who knew him well, his ability to tell a story was legendary. His spirit of generosity and kindness were manifest to all who knew him. His family loves him dearly and misses him already.

Dr. Meadows is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Jean Goretsky Meadows; his parents, B.J. Meadows, Sr., and Gladys Cain Meadows; a sister, Virginia Clifton-Alvarez; and second wife, Martha Bostwick. He is survived by his children: Kathleen Meadows Cool Richard of Wilmington, NC; Lindi Ann Meadows of Atlanta, GA; B.J. Meadows III Beth of Arlington, VA; Elizabeth Meadows LeDuc Lawrence of Decatur, GA; 9 grandchildren: Erik, Amy, Alicia, Nicholas, Frances, Julie, Sara, Celeste, and Caroline; 4 great-grandchildren: James, Adelle, Greta, and Fern; a goddaughter, Margaret Anne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private interment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Celebration of Life at Bayshore Baptist Church, 3111 West Morrison Avenue, Tampa, FL 33629 on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 11:00 AM with reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 or alz.org.