Jackson 'JC' Meardon

JACKSON CHARLES "JC" MEARDON

Iowa City

Jackson Charles "JC" Meardon, loving son, brother, friend to all, and cherished teammate, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016, with his family and friends by his side.

JC was an Iowa City kid, born and raised. He was born Dec. 13, 1999, to Charles and Kristi Meardon. Affectionately nicknamed "Weasel" by his father, JC was known for his fun and trickster personality, which made him a delight to be around for all who knew him. From the time he was little, JC was always up for a good prank. He was that annoying little brother, knowing exactly how to push everyone's buttons. His siblings and cousins took the bait every time and could not get enough of him. He loved to engage in playful arguments or wrestle with whoever was smaller than him. The Weasel made sure that every adult saw him as the innocent one.

JC found his second family within the circle of his soccer community. A member of the Iowa Soccer Club Inferno Team since he was 9 years old and recently a captain of the Iowa City High 9th/10th grade team, JC had a style of his own. Known for his scissors move, ability to make a wicked cross and a rocket foot, teammates depended on JC in the midfield. He was that teammate who always ran to congratulate anyone who scored a goal. The excitement he felt after scoring a goal himself could be felt by all. Fiercely proud of his recent commitment to lifting weights, JC loved to show off his developing 6-pack to anyone who would look. His teammates loved the opportunity to tell him it still needed work. JC never stopped working.

The family was touched by the outpouring of support shown at the vigil held on the evening of July 13 at Iowa City High School. The family does not have the words to describe the emotions felt when Coach Jose Fajardo retired JC's jersey (12). The family was further touched by the words and feelings articulated by the speakers and participants. The family thanks the Iowa City High School family generally, and Julie Dancer specifically, for organizing and holding the event.

While JC had many friends, including students, their parents and soccer coaches, there are some who had a profound influence on JC for many years. Jon Cook coached JC for eight years while JC was a member of the Inferno Soccer Team. Though perhaps small in height, Jon was extremely large in terms of playing/coaching talent, and, more importantly, heart. Jon was, and always will be, JC's coach. JC's soccer accomplishments are due mostly, if not completely, to Jon. JC loved Jon both as a coach and as a person. Jon is a credit to soccer coaching, and the Iowa Soccer Club is very fortunate to have him.

JC had a close personal relationship with Jackson Meyer and Jonah Dancer. JC, Jackson and Jonah joined the Iowa Soccer Club at about the same time and remained very close friends up to JC's passing. JC spent an extraordinary amount of time with Jackson. JC loved and respected Jackson as a soccer mentor, but more importantly as a friend. Jackson was always there for JC as was Jackson's mother, Karen.

JC will be missed by his parents, Chuck and Kristi; siblings, Madison (Taylor) and Grant; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, his soccer teammates and coaches.

JC was met in eternal life by his grandfather, William L. Meardon, and grandmother, Jane Kelso.

A private family funeral and burial for JC was held at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home.

Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home website for JC's family at www.gayandciha.com.

Celebration of Life for JC will be held at City High School, 1900 Morningside Dr., Iowa City, on Saturday, July 23, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the school cafeteria. More details will be shared through social media.

JC's family and friends will establish a foundation in JC's memory. The goal of the foundation will be to promote the sport of soccer in association with Iowa City High School (coach Jose Fajardo) and Iowa City Soccer Club (coach Jon Cook) through, among other things, ambitious projects related to soccer fields and the establishment/continuance of scholarship funds for soccer players in need of financial assistance.