James Gordon Mead's Obituary
James Gordon (Jim) Mead
James Gordon Mead died in Mount Dora, FL on September 10th, following a brief period of declining health. Jim was born in Beacon, NY in 1927 - in the front bedroom of the family home that still stands on North Avenue. He was the son of James Van Deusen Mead and Florence Rogers Mead, both sides of the family having deep roots in the mid-Hudson valley. Earlier generations of the Mead family operated a brickyard near Chelsea and a farm that became part of the property now used by Castle Point VA hospital.
Jim graduated from Beacon High School, where he played on the basketball team. He turned 18 in June of 1945 and enlisted in the navy. Empty chairs were left for him and another young man who missed their high school graduation for basic training. He served on a destroyer during the occupation of Japan immediately following the end of the war. After his discharge in 1946, like many men of his generation he took advantage of the GI bill to further his education.
Jim attended the NY State Teacher’s College at Oneonta where he met the love of his life, Barbara Seidel from Troy, NY. After receiving his degree, he began working for the Wappingers Central School District in 1951, and married Barbara in 1953. They were able to purchase land on Michael Drive in the town of Wappingers Falls - located on a hill with sweeping views up the Hudson valley. After saving up a down payment to build a house, the bank turned down their loan request because they were both teachers. So they took their money, loaded the car and spent two months driving across the country during the summer of 1955 – beginning a lifetime love of travel in the U.S. In 1957, with the help of family, friends, and his pregnant wife, Jim built his own house where they would live until 1985.
Jim started out teaching 6th grade social studies, English and math, but taught 7th and 8th grade social studies for most of his career. When he began in 1951, the entire Wappingers K-12 school system was housed in a single building. When he retired in 1984, that same building was one of two schools in the system for grades 7 and 8 – just one of the many changes that took place during his tenure. For much of his career, he taught at Van Wyck Junior High School.
Jim retired from teaching in 1984, and he and Barbara moved to central Florida in 1985. Jim had a life-long passion for golf, which he continued to play well into his 80’s. He also continued his woodworking, making many items for their homes and also taking up wood carving. Jim and Barbara continued to travel, including several cruises to Alaska.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Seidel Mead. Other survivors are his son, James Steven Mead (Ruth) of Apex, NC; his sister Jane Cooper of Fishkill, NY; brother- and sister-in law Ray and Dee Seidel of Ballston Spa, NY; and seven nephews and one niece. He was predeceased by his sister Denise Arnold, and brothers-in law Claude Arnold and Dale Cooper. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at http://www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com/
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?