James E. Weiss Sr.

James Edward Weiss Sr. peacefully passed away on Friday morning, February 5 surrounded by loved ones after battling numerous health issues the past few years.  Jim was born on October 16, 1943 in Ann Arbor, MI and was a proud 1961 graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School.  He then attended Aquinas College before beginning a long and distinguished professional career in downtown Grand Rapids that included positions of vice president at Houseman’s Clothing Company, president of James E. Weiss and Associates, and Dodgson Realty Company.  He was a former board member, director, and longtime member of The Peninsular Club.  He was a co-founder, board member and past president of The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame as well as a member of The University Club.  He was an avid supporter of East Grand Rapids High School academics and athletics.  He never missed any of his kids’ events, games, meets or contests—and was usually the first one to arrive to them as well!  He was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan, the Detroit Tigers, and the Detroit Lions.  Jim is predeceased by his parents Ben and Charlotte Weiss.  He is survived by his wife of almost fifty-five years, Marilyn, of Grand Rapids; son James Jr. (Susan) of East Grand Rapids; daughter Wendy Garber (Jim) of Hinsdale, IL and Naples, FL; grandchildren Alex, Molly and Josh Weiss of Grand Rapids and Brady, Greta and Cam Garber of Hinsdale, IL—all who absolutely loved and adored their “Papa Weiss”; older sister Bonnie Zimmer of Grand Rapids; younger sister Diane Wozniak (Don) of East Grand Rapids; sister-in-law Sandy Petersen of Surprise, AZ; sister-in-law Ellen Barnes (Rex) of Rockford, MI; eight nieces and nephews; and special friends Pat Bell of East Grand Rapids, Jim Black of East Grand Rapids, Bill Farr of East Grand Rapids, Larry Bos Jr. of Grand Rapids and Ken Oosterhouse of Orlando, FL.  The Weiss family would like to thank all of Jim’s incredible and dedicated doctors, nurses, and medical staff personnel at Spectrum Butterworth’s Meijer Heart Center for their recent care, support and services.  They are amazing and gifted people!  There will be no funeral or memorial service due to family wishes and pandemic restrictions.  If you would like to honor Jim’s life and memory, please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to the East Grand Rapids School Foundation at 2915 Hall Street SE, East Grand Rapids, MI  49506  Attn: Amy Stuursma.

To those I love and

those who love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you love, you can only guess,
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each have shown,
But now it is time to travel on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart

I will not be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I ‘ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”

God has said, “Never will I leave you;

Never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper: I will

Not be afraid.”

Hebrews 13:5-6

“I will see you in Heaven”

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