James W. Weber, age 73, passed away on December 23, 2021 in Portland, TX.
James (Jim) was born in Peru, IL, February 10, 1948 to Harold W. Weber and Norma (Reynolds) Weber. Jim married Linda (Beets) Weber of LaSalle, IL and New Orleans, LA on June 12, 1971 in LaSalle, IL.
Jim received degrees in Political Science from Illinois State University and the University of Kansas where he pursued his graduate studies. He taught courses in Political Science and Government at the University of Kansas, Northern Illinois University, the Behrend College of Pennsylvania State University, Tarleton State University, and Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX from 1991-2019 from which he retired.
Teaching was one of Jim's great passions. He cared for his students and strived to teach them to be engaged politically and civically in their communities. He eagerly kept abreast of local, national, and international news so he could answer questions of his students about current affairs. Additional interests include playing the tenor and baritone saxophone for the Corpus Christi Wind Symphony, the Corpus Christi Municipal Band, and many pit orchestras for musicals. He shared these musical pursuits with his wife, Linda. Musicals and films were his love. He helped plan and facilitate the weekly David Martin Memorial Education in Films Series at Del Mar College for many years.
In keeping with Jim's love of theatre and music, when he moved to Corpus Christi, he volunteered to help build sets for the Harbor Playhouse. When Linda and Tom joined him, they also assisted in the set construction, and Tom appeared on stage in various productions. It continued to be a family venture.
He enjoyed playing sports, participating in church baseball leagues (one of which went to the National Church League Championship) and playing pickup basketball games at various colleges for which he taught. Teaching both in the classroom and on the field, he also coached his son Tom's soccer teams, girl's softball teams, and church women's volleyball and basketball teams. He was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan and watched many games through the years, attending games at Wrigley Field in his youth and some with family in his adulthood. He and Linda also attended Corpus Christi Hooks games. Jim worked out at the Del Mar College Fitness Center and Portland Community Center, which he joined with his family when it first opened.
Gardening was another interest. He enjoyed growing vegetables in backyard gardens, raising indoor plants, and caring for outdoor patio plants. He loved harvesting peppers nearly year round.
Jim participated in various churches in the communities in which he lived, serving on boards and committees, sponsoring youth groups, and participating in various volunteer roles.
He was preceded in death by his father Harold Weber, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Evelyn Beets, cousin Judy Jobe Visser, sister-in-law Becky Hyatt, and niece Christine Jordan Kalil.
Jim is survived by his wife Linda Weber of Portland, TX, his son Tom Weber (Lee Cravens) of Chicago, IL, his mother Norma Weber of Oglesby, IL, his brother Alan Weber (Lynne) of Princeton, IL, and cousin Sandee Donahue of Sun City West, AZ.
The family kindly requests, in lieu of flowers or other offerings, donations be made to help students at Del Mar College. Gifts can be made online at give.delmar.edu or mailed to Del Mar College Foundation, 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404.
Services for Jim Weber will be held on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church Portland, TX with Pastor Larry McCrory officiating.
A memorial service will be held in Jim's hometown of Oglesby, IL for family and friends at a later date.
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