James A. Meeks

Later career From 1925 to 1931, Meeks served as Danville's corporation counsel.

In 1932, Meeks was selected as the Democratic nominee in Illinois's 18th congressional district after the death of the original nominee, Frank Trimble O'Hair. Meeks won the election and was reelected in 1934 and 1936. He served from March 4, 1933 to January 3, 1939, the 73rd, 74th, and 75th Congresses. During his House tenure, Meeks served on the Banking and Currency Committee. In addition, he was a trustee of Illinois College, and was active in the Sigma Pi literary society. He died in Danville on November 10, 1946. The James A. Meeks Memorial Scholarship is awarded to outstanding juniors for academic excellence in History, Political Science, Philosophy and Religion.