Sensei James Meeks, a 6th Degree Black Belt and Senior Student of GM Ron Carlson for over 20 years passed away this morning from heart failure. James was a career Federal Fire Fighter who after his retirement was employed as a Deputy Marshal for the City of Aurora, Colorado.
As the son of a US Marine stationed in Okinawa, James began his Martial Arts training at a young age learning Okinawan Kempo. He eventually inherited a chinese family art from his father in law, before becoming a student of Gow Ren Lu Kempo and Kajukenbo under GM Carlson over two decades ago.
Rest in Peace Sensei Meeks.
Just from such few words, I can tell that those such as I missed out for not have been able to know Sensei Meeks.
Heart felt sorrow for your loss,
Dean
"Rest In Peace" Sensei James Meeks 
PS
On a side note and a poor attempt to become familiar; The Inherited Chinese Art, was it passed on through others and can you tell us more of this mans life and experiences.
Thank you
Thank You for your kind words. Sensei Meeks was a very quiet and humble man of few words, and not one to speak of his own accomplishments. Most of the knowledge I have of him other than first hand encounters came through other senior black belts. He and I had lunch a few weeks ago with GM Carlson and none of us knew he had been experiencing prolonged heart problems. One of my Black Belts who is a Police Officer for Aurora saw him at the Courthouse Monday and he said he looked to be in good spirits and offered to buy him lunch next week. He was always gracious and helpful to every martial artist regardless of rank. I found out he was recently trying to help one of my young white belts start a career as a firefighter.
In regards to the family art, he was married to a chinese national for many years whose father, not having any sons, passed it to him. I only found this information out from GM Carlson in the past few months. To my knowledge, he left no heir to it, and after becoming a student of GM Carlson, taught nothing outside our system. Most of the conversations Sensei Meeks and I had were related to our shared interest in Law Enforcement Training. If I had to sum up Sensei Meeks persona in a couple words, it would be "Still Waters". I regrettably know very little of the art other than that, and that you could see a definite external influence in his movement. If I could take anything from my friendship with Sensei Meeks, it would be his humility and obvious inner peace.
Again, I thank you (and everyone else here) for the kind words and condolences. May you all stay blessed.
