Jim Meisenheimer of Lakewood Ranch passed away on June 6, 2024, at the age of 78. Jim was born October 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up on Long Island. After graduating from West Babylon High School on Long Island, Jim enrolled at The University of Rhode Island where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and President of the Blue Key Honor Society. Jim graduated in June of 1967 with a degree in Business Administration and Advertising. Jim did post-graduate work at St. John's University in New York.
In college Jim served in the ROTC, and then enlisted in the United States Army in July of 1967 serving as a Supply and Service Officer in Germany, and as a Public Information Officer on the General's staff in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. In 1969, Jim received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. After two years of active service, Jim served in the US Army Reserve for six more years. After his discharge, Jim had a variety of jobs in real estate and sales, but really began his business career in 1975 when he joined the Scientific Division of the American Hospital Supply Corporation. Jim served as a sales rep, regional sales manager, and marketing manager in the New York area. Then in 1983, Jim moved to Illinois to accept the position of Director of Marketing. In 1985, American Hospital Supply was acquired by Baxter Health Care and Jim became Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Industrial Division.
In 1988, Jim accomplished his dream of starting his own company – JM Associates - which allowed him to focus on sales training and sales leadership. Jim was a Sales Strategist and the creator of No-Brainer Selling Skills. His focus was on showing salespeople and entrepreneurs how to increase sales, earn more money, have more fun, and how to do it all in less time. He was the creator of the Sales Trailblazer Sales Training Program which provided sales tips and proven selling strategies in 24 lessons spread over 24 weeks. In 26 years, Jim authored 15 books and was a consultant and trainer for 542 companies in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Jim was featured on the cover of The National Speakers Association September 1998 issue of Professional Speaker Magazine, and received the designation of "Certified Speaking Professional."
Jim enjoyed hunting, golfing, cruising, reading, and writing, and published his 16th book in early 2024. Jim was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Master Speakers International, and The National Speakers Association.
Jim is survived by Bernadette, his loving wife of 36 years, his brother-in-law, Daniel Kinsey, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Rudy and Ruth Olsen Meisenheimer; his step-mother, Eileen Meisenheimer; his mother-in-law, Helen Kinsey; his first wife, Louise McCabe Meisenheimer; his younger brother, John, and his youngest brother, Ray who perished in 9/11 as a member of FDNY Rescue 3.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 12905 E State Road 70, Bradenton, FL 34202 followed by a Celebration of Life at the Concession Golf and Country Club, 7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton, FL 34202. Jim will be interred at the National Veterans' Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Tunnel to Tower Foundation – t2t.org.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
