Older sister of JC Meardon opens up following teen’s death

IOWA CITY - Madison Meardon says her younger brother JC could light up a room with his smile and 'knew how to make everybody laugh.”

Meardon, 20, spoke with The Gazette about her 16-year-old brother via email Thursday, two days after the Iowa City High School junior died at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following an incident Monday in which he was struck by a minivan while walking with friends on Dane Road.

JC had the 'biggest and brightest smile,” Madison Meardon wrote. ''He would always have a huge grin after his inappropriate comments or witty remarks. He was quite a jokester and always knew how to make others laugh, and that made him happy.”

Funeral arrangements for JC Meardon are pending by Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City.

A candlelight vigil, attended by hundreds of friends and family members, took place Wednesday night on the soccer field at City High where JC once played wearing the captain's arm band for the freshman and sophomore team.

Madison Meardon said the members of her immediate family - parents Kristi and Chuck and brother Grant, 18 - are quickly becoming aware of the impact JC had on the lives of others. Aside from the huge turnout at the vigil, Madison Meardon said there were so many supporters at the hospital that a nurse said those in the unit had never seen anything like it.

'It showed my parents how much JC really was loved,” she said. 'I am so happy that he had so many people, besides family, that loved him.”

In return, she said her brother truly loved each of his friends.

Madison Meardon said she had a typical sibling rivalry with JC, which often manifested itself in video game competitions. She said she and a cousin would often challenge JC to a game of Crash Bandicoot, which she usually won, she said.

'But JC took it upon himself to get us back anyway he could, challenge us, sneak attack us, anything,” she said.

'He was always fun to be with.”

Aside from playing soccer and video games, Madison Meardon said JC enjoyed spending time with the family, especially going out to eat and attending sporting events.

Those wishing to share condolences, may do so on the Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at gayandciha.com. Many are also sharing memories on a Facebook page titled '#12 Remembering JC Meardon.”