MEMORIAL MINUTE FOR JIM (JAMES WENDELL) WESTON
12/21/1926-8/23/20
Jim was born in Salem, Massachusetts and raised in Marble Head, Massachusetts where he learned how to sail almost before he learned to walk. When he and his mother later moved to Bronxville, New York to live with his grandfather, he first became acquainted with Quakers. After graduating from the New York Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler, New York and serving in the US Merchant Marine, he earned a degree in economics from Swarthmore College in 1950. It was at Swarthmore that Jim first met his future bride, Patricia Edwards Weston. It was thus that the sea and sailing, the Religious Society of Friends, his faith, and Pat, the love of his life, became the source of Jim's passion and pillars of his strength.
Jim continued to serve his country as the Operations Officer aboard the USS Stribling DD867 in the Korean War. Pat recalls that throughout their on-and-off courtship, during and after college, Jim had professed his determination not to marry before age thirty. However, Pat was having none of that plan. So Jim wisely came to realize that, were he to cling to his goal, he was going to lose the love of his life. Thus they became engaged. Nevertheless, family plans for an elaborate wedding were derailed when Jim's Navy service interfered, and on December 31, 1952 they eloped! This seemingly uncharacteristic impetuosity might be seen as a precursor for much of the rest of Jim's life and career.
As Friends know, Pat is a birthright Friend. While the young couple was living in Yonkers, Pat's serene influence and Jim's early exposure to Friends led him to become a member of Scarsdale Meeting. She remembers that for many years he taught First-Day School to high school students, which must have been a great blessing for the Scarsdale meeting. During his active Quaker life with Sarasota Monthly Meeting, Jim served wherever needed, most particularly as a Trustee and also as Co-Clerk of the Meeting House Committee. Jim often represented Sarasota Monthly Meeting at Southeastern Yearly Meeting. As an SEYM Trustee, Jim faithfully attended those meetings as well. SEYM Friends held Jim in the highest regard.
Jim served in the Navy during the Korean War, after which he went into advertising. At the same time, ever intellectually curious, he gradually acquired a law degree at night school and afterwards, an MBA from Columbia.
Later on, as a corporate executive for the overseas branches of various American companies, such as General Foods, Pillsbury, and Cheeseborough Ponds he was able to offer his family an international setting in which to develop, in Mexico and Venezuela.
Jim's adult children recall their father as an adventurous spirit, involving them all in scuba diving in the Caribbean, scaling volcanos in Mexico, deep underground spelunking through bat-filled caves, and exploring pristine beaches, quaint native hamlets and ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins throughout Central and South America. His determination to learn to fly, and briefly to have his own plane, was another example of his restless spirit. However, his children remembered that Jim would always make time for meditation, and to lead the family in meeting for worship. As those who have worshipped with Jim know, his Spirit-led messages always involved keen awareness of, and gratitude for, God's grace in all things.
In 1980 Jim relocated the family's home base to Sarasota, Florida to be near his mother and stepfather, Helen and George Elliott and his mother-in-law Mary Edwards. He became active in the Sarasota Friends Meeting, and began a 12-year national consulting career with Profit Counselors. Jim never really retired, and until recently continued to enthusiastically field daily business calls from his current venture, Ocean Grown LLC, where he served as Chairman of the Board.
To quote his family:
They say that to truly know a man you need look no further than his friends and family. Each of us knew, loved, learned and grew together with Dad in our own individual way. We now move on to continue fulfilling our part in God's plan. As we move forward, those with whom we come in contact will also know Dad as each of us reflects that spirit, thirst for knowledge and zest for life that he taught us.
Dad has gone to join his stepfather George Elliott, his mother Helen Elliott, his eldest son Jay Weston, his brother Ralph Weston, and his stepbrother Chip Elliott. Dad's remaining earth-bound family includes his best friend and loving wife of 55 years, Patricia Edwards Weston of Sarasota, children Amy Stonner of Bonita Springs, Florida, David Weston of Naples, Florida, Dan Weston of San Antonio, Texas, along with their spouses Toni and Terri, and four grandchildren, Kelly Stonner, Sundai Weston, Casey Weston and Hudson Weston. Words and phrases like "a true gentleman," "an honorable man," "always full of life," and "a great sense of humor" permeate the descriptions and memories of Dad from both family and friends.
Throughout it all, he lived his life by the Golden Rule. As Dad prepared for his next big journey, he repeatedly shared his opinion that many of the world's troubles could be greatly reduced if more people would simply treat others as you would want them to treat you, following the "Golden Rule." He led his life on his terms and in accordance with his deep faith in the Inner Light that resides in all of us. In his last earthly days, he clearly, calmly and resolutely told each of us that he was ready for our brother Jay to come welcome him into God's embrace. With certainty of our Savior's Grace and plans for him, James Wendell Weston peacefully transcended this physical life, passing over in the comfort of his own home and in the loving company and care of his family.
Perhaps the strongest testimonials to Jim come from his beloved wife, Pat. "The 55 years with Jim were too short." "Jim was a wonderful husband." " "He always made me feel special. He used to tell people that the best decision he had made in his life was to marry me." Being a great husband is not an easy challenge, but Jim met that as fully as he met all of the challenges of his well-lived life.