James A. Meuse passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at the age of 74 in his hometown of West Hartford. His battle with a rare cancer in recent months showed his courage in facing life challenges with grace and a smile to the end.

Jim was born on December 24, 1947 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend. He leaves behind his partner, Diane Janiak; the mother of his children, Grace Gilberto Meuse; his son, Michael Meuse and daughter-in-law, Megan Meuse; beloved grandsons, Colin, Maury, Marlon and Theo Meuse; daughter, Renée Meuse and future son-in law, Mark Lovley; sister, Carol Sapere and brother-in-law, Matt Sapere; and many extended family members and friends he held dear to his heart.

Always smiling and energetic, Jim was a kind and generous man. His infectious smile, pleasant personality, and charming spirit were comforts to all around him. Those that were blessed to know him understood his extraordinary selfless ways and work ethic.

Jim joined the United States Army in 1968 where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal while serving in the Vietnam War. Following the draft, he re-enlisted and was trained to drive and operate an M109 Howitzer tank.

Jim was a mechanical genius. His love affair with cars started on the drag strip as a teenager, owning and building various American muscle cars and hot rods. He set a ¼ mile record with a ’66 Nova emblazoned “On Time”. He graduated with a trade degree in automotive mechanics and spent many years working for Lou’s Auto Service in West Hartford. Most of his time in recent years was spent tinkering on his dream car - a 1941 Willys Coupe. The car was built from the ground up and many of the parts he custom fabricated himself.

Jim took notes from the Old West sporting a signature mustache for over 50 years, occasionally accompanied by a cigarillo which he “never lit.” On weekends, friends and family would join him on the gun range to watch him win sport shooting competitions. Being born on Christmas Eve is not easy, but his birthdays were always special, celebrated with close family and his favorite Italian rum cake from Modern Pastry in Hartford. Halloween was also one of his favorite holidays with costumes ranging from a cowboy to Peter Criss from Kiss.

Jim’s loved ones will continue to honor his legacy by sharing his stories and kindness. Jim always believed in helping others that were less fortunate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Wounded Veterans of Vietnam at https://vva.org/donate/

Visiting hours will be from 9:30am to 11:00am on Friday, (September 2nd) at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00am. Burial with military honors will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at West Hartford Health and Rehab for their compassion in Jim’s final weeks.