January 21, 2025, 80, Goldsboro —
Jim Meachen, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro.
Jim was born April 19, 1944 to Lily and James Harold Meachen in Sacramento CA. Lily lived with her parents, Jake and Kate Schmitt, while her husband, James Harold, was fighting in the South Pacific theater with the Marine Corps. Jim’s father did not even see his son until he finally returned home from the war in 1946. Jim lived with his family in Spirit Lake, Arnold’s Park and Milford Iowa before ultimately relocating to Canton, South Dakota in 1959. Jim attended Augustana Academy where both his parents were employed. After graduation he pursued a BS in Journalism at South Dakota State University and obtained his degree in 1966. After college, Jim worked at newspapers in Canton, SD and Estherville, Iowa before enlisting in the Air Force in 1967. Jim arrived at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base on New Year’s Eve 1967, and Goldsboro officially became his permanent home. While at Seymour Johnson, Jim served as the Wing Historian for the 68th Bomb Wing.
Jim went to work for the Goldsboro News-Argus in 1971, where he stayed for 35 years before retiring in 2006. During that time he spent 15 years as a sports editor and Sunday News Editor before being promoted to Executive News Editor in 1985.
Jim met the love of his life, Luci Nunkovich, in 1976 and eventually married her in 1978. At the time of his passing he and Luci were approaching their 47th anniversary.
Jim’s real passion had always been cars. In 1990, while still working as Executive News Editor at the News-Argus, he also began testing and reviewing cars and trucks. First for the News-Argus, and also eventually for a group of nine newspapers in Southern California. He drove, tested, and wrote reviews on cars, trucks and sport utilities for more than 30 years, often test-driving over 100 vehicles per year. Even into his retirement Jim continued to drive, write reviews, and serve as editor for three automotive websites, including two he owned himself. He was also active in and passionate about the Goldsboro Golden K Kiwanis.
He is survived by his wife, Luci, two sons, Nick and Noel Nunkovich, a daughter, Megan Meachen, two sisters, Susan (Chuck) Skaggs, Linda (Jerry ) Brown, and a brother Ed Meachen. Jim had many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father James Harold and his mother, Lily.
Through his work at the newspaper, Jim got to know hundreds of Goldsboro residents, and he made many friends along the way.
He had a knack for telling hilarious stories, often about himself, and he had an infectious laugh even in the face of bad news. He will be sorely missed by his family and by many Goldsboro friends.
The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Seymour Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Goldsboro Golden K Kiwanis, 106 Fairway Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
