Jed D. Meese was known in the Rogue Valley for the many millions he and his family donated for the betterment of the community.

However, friends and associates say the true measure of the man was in the contribution of not only his treasure, but also his time, talent and empathy.

Meese died at home in Medford on June 24 at the age of 86.

“Jed Meese was one of those rare individuals who had a head for business and a heart for the local and global community,” said Janet Troy, who knew Meese through his involvement with the Ashland Community Hospital Foundation (now Health Foundation) and the Rotary Club of Ashland.

“Jed was a true philanthropist. He willingly and joyfully contributed to many organizations in our community,” she said.

Meese retired from ACH Foundation’s board in 2007 and continued to serve as an emeritus member. During his tenure, he served as president (1992), and spent time on the foundation’s executive, finance, real estate, special projects, golf tournament and strategic planning committees. In 2001, he received the foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.

“Increasing access to medical services and providers in Ashland and Talent was one of his priorities,” Troy said.

“In Rotary, he was a champion of the club’s work locally and abroad. Most recently, he generously supported two key projects — Ashland Reads, and our work in Guanajuato, Mexico, Ashland’s sister city,” she said.

Sid DeBoer says Meese was the “ultimate citizen” of Southern Oregon.

“He did so much for so many,” he said. “He was a close personal friend. He was always an upbeat guy, easy to be around, totally accepting, and so generous.”

Tom Reid, who knew Meese for 35 years, was his CPA for 30 years.

“Jed was a friend and business associate,” Reid said. “We both were active in the community and supported many of the same local organizations. He responded to the needs of others with generosity.”

Jeff Monosoff termed Meese’s impact on the community as “immeasurable” and had high praise for both Meese and his wife.

“They supported every one of our institutions in a big way,” he said.

Born June 1, 1938, in Huntington, Indiana, Meese grew up in Southern California, served in the U.S. Navy, and attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, to pursue a doctor of pharmacy degree, which he completed in San Diego.

In San Diego he met Celia Edwards and the two were married in 1963.

Meese was a co-developer of the vitamin-like supplement and antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 for distribution in the United States. He started many other companies with partners in Japan, Sweden, Turkey and the U.K., designing and developing both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

The couple started Vitaline Corporation, a dietary supplement and nutraceutical manufacturer, distributor and retailer. It was sold in 2000 to Integrative Therapeutics.

They moved to Ashland in 1987, where he became a major donor to Southern Oregon University, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland Community Hospital, Asante, Ashland Family YMCA, Southern Oregon Humane Society, Rotary, Kids Unlimited, Celia’s House (named after his wife), St. Mary’s High School and many other organizations and institutions.

Meese served on the boards of Southern Oregon University, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland Community Health Foundation, Asante, Ashland YMCA, and U.S. Bank.

Part of the SOU fabric for 35 years, he was an emeritus member of the SOU Foundation and a longtime member of the Raider Club. The Jed and Celia Meese Foundation made significant gifts to SOU athletics, the arts, scholarship programs and capital projects, most notably to the Hannon Library building redesign. In 2009, he was awarded the university’s Presidential Medal.

The Meese Family Aquatic Center at the Ashland Family YMCA was made possible by contributions from their foundation. A gift from the foundation to Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice led to Celia’s House, a nonprofit, 12-bed residence for hospice care.

Meese is survived by his wife, a granddaughter, and four great-grandchildren. Their son, Scott, died in 2015.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Meese’s name may be made to SoHumane or a charity of choice. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.