In Memory: James “Jim” Weber ’70, MST ’75

James “Jim” Weber ’70, MST ’75 died Dec. 16, 2018, at age 75, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a native Oregonian, descended from the pioneer Kyle family in Florence. Athletics became his passion at an early age, and he excelled in practically every sport imaginable. A football scholarship took him to Washington State University and several other colleges until he ultimately settled at Pacific. He was a high school teacher in Gresham, Ore., for a number of years before returning to Pacific, where he taught activities and science classes in the physical education department, and coached track and field and football for the next eight years. He frequently volunteered at various high schools and colleges and coached individual athletes over the years. He especially stayed in close contact with Ryan Crouser, who won the 2016 Olympic gold medal in the shot put.

Weber was an avid runner, completing eight marathons and several triathlons. Physical therapy eventually became his only form of exercise when Parkinson’s began to take its toll. Even then, he held fast to his quirky independence and individuality, enjoying boxing sessions with his therapist. He married his first wife, Heather, in 1969, and together they raised two sons. He married his second wife, Sally, in 1987, and had two more children. Friends will remember him for his quick wit and ever present-sense of humor, his ability to talk to anyone, his extraordinary knowledge and passion for athletics, and the rich and diverse web of contacts he developed over his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew; parents, Vern and Emmylou; and sister, Gayle Stroud. He is survived by his wife, Sally; children, Derek, Aaron and Hannah; grandson, Ryan; and brother, John.