James William Weedon

James William (Bill) Weedon died on February 24, 2016 with his children by his side. He was born on September 28, 1920 in Baltimore, Maryland to Louis Milton Weedon and Annie Celinda Taylor Weedon. He had an older brother, Milton, who predeceased him. He was a lifelong and gifted athlete, an All City high school football, basketball and baseball player. He was recruited by Wake Forest University and played football there until the beginning of World War II when he enlisted in the United States Navy. In a whirlwind courtship before shipping out for the North Atlantic he married his wife, Loree, and they were partners in marriage for over 70 years until her death in 2013. The couple had three children, Jimmy (Kathy), Jerry (Kathy) and Marla (Rex). Jimmy also predeceased him. The family moved to Jacksonville in 1956 and Bill started his own company of consulting marine engineers, Weedon Engineering Company, Inc. He went to work daily until just a few years ago. The company provides maritime propulsion services all over the world and is successfully run today by members of the second and third generation of his family.

Bill loved football and before the days of the remote and picture-in-picture tube would stack televisions on top of each other to catch all the NFL games on Sunday. He adopted the University of Florida Gators to replace his college favorite, the Maryland Terrapins and was a season ticket holder for over 50 years. He was an inaugural Jaguar season ticket holder. He made all the home games for the Gators and the Jaguars until his 93rd year. An avid golfer, Bill was a founding member of Selva Marina Country Club. He and Loree were members of the Ponte Vedra Club and San Jose Country Club where they had many, many friends and were known for their smooth dance moves. He was a board member of the Propeller Club and the Jacksonville Quarterback Club. He was proud of his win in the Pro-Am of the Greater Jacksonville Open, partnered with another lefty, Gay Brewer.

A true member of the Greatest Generation, Bill was a self-made, honest businessman. He was generous, especially in the tipping department. He taught by example and had an innate and natural grace. He was an extraordinary Dad and Patriarch to his family. He is also survived by ten grandchildren who all have their special memories of Daddy Bill and twenty-one great grandchildren. He had a life well-lived.

Bill converted to the Roman Catholic faith in his 70s, fulfilling the lifelong prayer of his family. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 1 pm, with Father John Reynolds officiating. The family will greet visitors beginning at 12 pm in the Church. The family wishes to thank Natasha Dent and “Team Daddy Bill” for their love and care for our Dad. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities, Jacksonville Regional Office or to the St. Francis Soup Kitchen.