James Alvin "Jim" Weber (87) of Newton

James (Jim) Alvin Weber passed from this earth into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 12, 2020, at the age of 87.

A private graveside service will be held at the West Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. Memorial gifts honoring Jim may be made to the either the Grace United Methodist Church or to the Jasper County Boys and Girls Park.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marcella (Sally) Weber of Newton. Sister Barbara Weber of Hollandale, WI; sisters-in-law; Sandy Brandt of Olney; Diana Hufford of Acwroth, GA; Karen Smith of Olney; brothers-in-law Bob Miller of Newton and Fred Brandt of Olney; cousin John Larry Wilson. Children Kathy Jo (Kate), husband Steve Pitcher of Jewett; James Bradley (Brad), wife Illona of Leander, TX; 5 grandchildren: Jeremy (Karen) Pitcher, Sarah (Eric) Mason, Lauren Weber, Hannah Weber, and Meghan Weber. 5 great-grandchildren: Joslynn Pitcher, Kassie Pitcher, Jerrick Pitcher, Karlee Pitcher, and Jasper Mason. Several Nieces and Nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Tracy and Pearl (Wilson) Weber; sibling Charles Weber; brothers-in-law, Howard Sink, Bob Hufford, Larry Smith, Keith Smith, and Ronald Smith; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Miller and Sandra Smith.

Jim was born on June 18, 1933, near Bogota, Illinois to Tracy and Pearl (Wilson) Weber. He attended St. Thomas Catholic Church School and grade school in Newton while being raised by his beloved grandparents Clifton and Josie (Hall) Wilson; and in 1952 he graduated from Newton Community High School in Newton, Illinois. Shortly thereafter, he answered his nation’s call to service during the Korean War in the United States Army. He married his sweetheart, Marcella May Smith, on June 23, 1956 at the Congregational Church in Olney, IL. Jim worked at Jasper Clothiers in Newton in various capacities for 50 years and was a beloved figure there.  Jim continued his service to his country, reaching the rank of sergeant first class in the U. S. Army Reserves after 35 years of service in the reserve units of Newton and Fairfield, Illinois. He has been a member of the American Legion Post No. 20 in Newton since 1955. In 1982, Jim joined the postal service in Newton on a part-time basis and later became a full-time rural letter carrier until his retirement a few short years ago.

Jim and Sally made their home and reared their two children in Newton. They first welcomed daughter Kathy Jo (Kate) in 1960, followed by son James Bradley (Brad) in 1968. His children knew him to be a devoted and exceptional father- full of patience, love, and provided a home full of fun and laughter. “Papa Weber’s” legacy of laughter and love was passed on to his five grandchildren and to the great-grandchildren who affectionately refer to him as “Papa Jim”.

Jim was an avid quail hunter throughout his life and raised and trained many high-quality Brittany bird dogs, of which he was quite proud. Jim had a great love of many kinds of music, and particularly enjoyed listening to Nat King Cole and Daniel O’Donnell. Jim also was an avid baseball player throughout his life; having played on the Army baseball teams at Ft. Hood, TX in the 1950’s. His love of the game was passed along to his son, as he coached several of Brad’s little league and pony league teams in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This culminated in father and son sharing the same field for the Methodist Men Church League team for several years. Jim was a lifelong and enthusiastic Dodgers fan.

Jim and Sally became member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Newton in 1956. Jim served on the Methodist Men’s group and was a beloved member of the congregation. He volunteered his time for many years with the Fall Festival pancake breakfasts, and spread his uncanny joy and laughter with several nursing home residents brightening the days and lives of countless people. His innate goodness and strong Christian character were a gift he quietly and freely gave to so many, and was a constant source of inspiration to several.

For years, Jim carried a special poem in his wallet that was called the “Cherokee Prayer” by an unknown author. It states “As I walk the trail of life in fear of the wind and rain, grant me O Great Spirit that I may always walk like a man.” This poem inspired him and perfectly illustrates the way this man lived his life until the very end with dignity and courage.

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