James (Jim) Lawrence Weber walked over the rainbow bridge on April 8th at 83 years, after a brief struggle with brain cancer. He is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, and siblings John, Ruth, and Thomas. He is survived by his partner of 20 years Emma Violand-Sanchez, daughter Jennifer Weber Powell and son-in-law Jason Powell, son Matthew and daughter-in-law Ashley, and 5 grand-daughters. Jim grew up on a dairy farm in Ohio and never stopped being down-to-earth. His sister insisted he broaden his horizons, and he travelled alone to attend high school in Minnesota at St. Thomas Military Academy, excelling in every subject. He also attended Notre Dame, studying engineering. He was drafted during the Korean war, relocating to Fort Myer in Virginia. He met Marjorie in Washington D.C. where they both worked at the same construction company. With the exception of a year working in Florida, he remained in Northern Virginia for the rest of his life. Jim was a self-made man, an expert builder and contractor. He specialized in custom residential, including a passive solar home designed in collaboration with Marjorie. He hated being in an office and was able to keep mud on his boots throughout his career. Jim was fortunate to enjoy a retirement lasting more than 20 years, the most important feature of which was not fancy trips abroad (although there were a few), but making his own decidedly unhurried schedule, enjoying every day on his own terms, often with Emma.
Jim was a man of wide abilities and interests, who loved deeply, and was much loved by others. He had a can-do confidence and an optimistic outlook on life. His extroverted side opened the family to important social relationships as well as social causes such as Christmas in April. He was a large man, and with a booming voice shared his knowledge, thoughts, and laughter generously. Jim was also an intellectual, appreciating literature, art, music, and theater, ushering with Marjorie at Arena Stage and other venues. Jim was generous, the sort of person who would spend more on others than himself. He had an infectious enthusiasm and loved giving unusual gifts intertwined with a good story. A sometimes surprising balance to his large presence, Jim was also unusually tender hearted and humble. He was grateful for even small things, appreciated favors forever, and spoke highly of anyone who served others. He wept freely when emotional, such as at his 80th birthday party, thanking those who had allowed him to be a part of their lives. In his last weeks with us Jim said: “The two best things about cancer are that it brings out the best in your friends, and helps you enjoy every day a little bit more.” Jim, we miss you terribly, and strive to follow your examples in gratitude. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Dream Project, P.O. Box 7419, Arlington VA, 22207
THE TWO BEST THINGS ABOUT CANCER ARE THAT IT BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN YOUR FRIENDS, AND YOU APPRECIATE EVERY DAY A LITTLE BIT MORE
JIM WEBER