Obituary of John August Meintjes

John August Meintjes (87) was called home peacefully to his heavenly family on May 6, 2021. Heaven opened its gates to one of the finest men created by God. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Peggy Meintjes, his daughter Hillary Jackson (Allen) and his son, Jim Meintjes (Whitney). He was loved by all his grandchildren who called him Oupa-John Ribes, Ellie McCoy (Jarrett), Kyle Jackson, and Chris Jackson (Alyssa and their two children, Owen & Olivia) May Michael Watson ( John Paul). Sophie Metzger (Micah), Roni Meintjes (Blake Simmons-fiancée),& Winston Meintjes.

John was born in Pretoria, South Africa. He grew up the youngest of 8 children, raised mostly by his mother as his father died when he was young. He grew up loving the outdoors and sports. He was a champion swimmer and fantastic rugby player-both sports he competed in through college. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and then moved to the United States to work for Phillips Petroleum Company in New York City. It was here he met his soul mate, Peggy. 

Shortly after they married, they were transferred to Frankfort, Germany where John was put in charge of opening up offices in Europe. His daughter and son where both born there, and shortly after his son’s birth, they were transferred to Zurich Switzerland. After opening that office, John was transferred to Waterloo, Belgium where the family stayed for 10 years. John travelled extensively throughout the world, including many trips home to his beloved South Africa family. The family then moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma for 7 years before they were transferred back to Brussels. John retired to Seabrook, South Carolina. John was known throughout the business world as being an intelligent, highly capable and an exceedingly fair man. He was a true gentleman.

After living in Seabrook SC, John and Peggy moved to Asheville, North Carolina where they lived for 5 years. After deciding to be closer to family, they then moved to Summerville, SC. During his retirement, John learned about the stock market and loved to follow it and invest in it-very successfully. He loved to design and build. John designed 4 of their homes, built a huge playhouse, and built a large outdoor gazebo. He also loved gardening. He designed and planted the beautiful gardens at their homes.

He was a wonderful father that inspired his children in so many ways. He was the dad who let his kids crawl all over him and who genuinely loved being with his children. He had such a tender heart for his children and animals. He showed his children how to be fine human beings. A better father did not exist. He has left his family with many wonderful, wonderful memories.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on the Isle of Palms in a week, with all his American family in attendance. A memorial mass will be offered up at the end of May or June.

We thank all of our family and friends for the kind condolences to the family, and we have been able to feel your love.