Cary James Meilert, "CJ" "Bopper" of Waldorf, Maryland, died on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at Genesis La Plata Center in La Plata, after a lengthy illness. He was 52 years old.

He is survived by his mother, Alice M. Newcomb of Waldorf; his father, Retired Navy Captain John J. Meilert of Vienna, VA; his sisters Suzanne E. Fields and her husband Mark, Stephanie M. Holder, Samantha Shelton and her husband Jay, Allison Newcomb and her husband Steve Clark; his nephew Blake Holder; his nieces Shayla Holder and Danielle Lubin; also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cary, who was born on Mother's Day, May 9, 1958 in Minneapolis, MN, was an avid bridge player, sports fan, bowler, tennis and golf player, and lover of music and dancing until his illness forced him to, as he put it, "retire". Bowling was his favorite sport having won the Virginia State Championship for 12 year old players in 1970. He attended Surrattsville High School in Clinton, MD and played on the Charles County Community College Tennis team in 1978.

His other love was cooking and the restaurant business. He had worked as a waiter and trainer for Hogates, a Washington, DC landmark, in the early '80's and in 1983 was instrumental in opening the Popeyes Chicken and Biscuit restaurant in Annandale, VA, serving as Senior Manager, until his illness forced him to leave in 1988.

After leaving the restaurant business he turned to another interest and one that allowed him to work outdoors - Landscaping. He particularly enjoyed being his own boss. He worked in that field until he was physically unable to do so.
Cary James - Pied Piper of animals, the weak, the less fortunate - Heart of Gold and Untapped Genius.

A family memorial service will be held in Maryland at a later date and the interment will be held in Kansas at a later date.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.