Color Ink Founder James Meissner Passes at Age 90
James Meissner
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our founder and owner, James Meissner, at the age of 90 years old.
James (Jim) Otto Meissner was born to eternal life on March 4, 2026, at the age of 90, in Scottsdale, AZ. He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Suzanne, and sons, Robert and David. Beloved father to Todd Meissner and Rebecca (Tom) Murel. Cherished grandfather to Austin (Emily) Meissner, Tom (Steff) Murel, Nathan (Eliana) Meissner, Natalie (Rex) Rebholz and Jake Murel and 8 great grandchildren.
Jim was a resident of Arizona for over 30 years, however, his roots in Wisconsin and the printing and advertising community run deep. At the age of 18, he left the family farm and journeyed off to Arkansas to pursue a career in Advertising. His dream was to become a creative director at a large advertising agency. After only a few short weeks in Little Rock, he landed a job in a graphic design studio doing basic tasks in the office. It was during this period that he met his lifelong partner, Suzanne, where they married and started a family.
In 1962, Jim moved back to the Lake Country area of Wisconsin with his young family. He landed a job as a graphic designer at a local design studio. After a 2-year stint, he found what would ultimately become his dream job at a large advertising agency in Milwaukee that handled high-profile national accounts. Jim was a highly respected creative director and received numerous local and national awards for his work on campaigns involving print, radio, billboards and television.
In 1974, Jim started Black Ink, Inc., a graphic design studio out of his home in Merton, WI. Building upon his own reputation, experience and credentials, he quickly built a sales portfolio with clients he had worked with during his career. Those clients included: Master Lock, Rexnord, Harnischfeger, GE Healthcare, Cutler-Hammer, Allen-Bradley and many other iconic Milwaukee-based industrial clients.
After 10 years in business as an art studio with a staff of 8 full time employees, Jim opened the doors of Color Ink, a Sussex, based printing company that now employees over 70 people and sales of $20 million annually. Jim had a strong business acumen. The real estate and commercial buildings that the company’s operated from were all purchased and built under his guidance. He understood that the best way to control your own growth and destiny was having full control of your location and facility. He was also a big believer in reinvesting company profits in favor of new technology and growth.
It was his dream for the company to stay in the family and continue the legacy he started. This year, Color Ink celebrates 42 years in business under the leadership of 2nd and 3rd generation family.
Jim was a follower of Christ, and his faith became the guiding principle by which he raised his family and grew his business. Throughout all his accomplishments, he always gave glory and honor to God. He was benevolent to the church, his family and friends. Jim was a friend to all. In his retirement, he enjoyed golfing, Bible studies, and dinners with friends. He was a gifted oil painter who found great joy in painting using various mediums and techniques.
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.
