James T. “Jim” Meng, 77, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at his home in Alliance following a battle with lung cancer.
He was born February 6, 1948 in Crawford, Nebraska to Frederick and Rosella (Zurn) Meng. The family moved to Alliance sometime around 1956. Jim graduated from Alliance High School in 1966 and enlisted in the United States Navy in the summer of 1966. On December 27, 1968, he and Sandra L. Fraedrich were married in Alliance.
He served on several ships during his 4 years in the Navy during the Vietnam War, transporting soldiers from ship to shore as a Boatswain’s Mate. Following his military service in 1970, Jim returned to Alliance and worked for Wendell Merritt for several years. He later owned and operated the business, Merritt Heating and Air Conditioning until his retirement. Jim loved to ride around town on his red scooter and liked playing cards and games on the computer and doing odd jobs in the office.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Meng; his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Carla Meng; and his granddaughter, Jessi, all of Alliance. He is also survived by his brothers, Clifford Meng of Fullerton, CA, Ronald (Vickie) Meng of Fremont, NE and Roger (Larene) Meng of Bakersfield, CA; his sister, Diane (George) Kopecky of Freeman, MO; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Harold, Clarence, Richard and Kenneth Meng, his sister Bernadette Kaufman, and an infant brother.
At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and interment will be held at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery later this summer.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com