James E Weed Sr.

James, better known as Jim to his family and friends, was born October 7, 1933, in Troy, Alabama, son of the late Ed Lee Weed and Willie Beatrice (Manning) Weed. He served in the United States Army from May of 1955 until his Honorable Discharge May of 1957, reaching the rank of SP 5 SEC Class. Basic Training: Ft. Leonard, Missouri, Advanced Training: Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Overseas Duty: Departed from Ft. Lewis, Washington, aboard a merchant marine ship. Arrived in Korea and assigned to 24th Signal Company attached to 8th Army. Returned to the States aboard USS Mann. Separated from Ft. Sheridan, Chicago, Illinois. Reserves 1 Permanent Rank: E-5. Ribbons for Good Conduct, Sharpshooter, and Foreign Duty. He married his high school sweetheart, the former Dorothy (Dottie) Jane Luckett September 18, 1953. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2022. Also preceding Jim in death was his talented and loving daughter, gone much too soon, Tracie Jean Weed (Michael) Fitzgerald, his brother Gilbert Morris Weed, Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve and sister Nellie Beatrice Weed.

While living in Louisville Kentucky he worked as a Delivery Route Driver for Ehrler’s and Goldenrod Dairies. Jim and Dottie retired to Fisherville, Kentucky where he enjoyed helping others and serving his church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He adored creating Stained Glass art work for competition and giving to others. Creating Stained Glass pieces was a passion and he would gladly explain the steps involved to anyone willing to listen. He also enjoyed helping others and made friends everywhere he went. Jim also loved to go fishing. Jim’s family meant everything to him. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother-in-law. Jim was a faithful member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville, KY.

Survivors include his son: James E. (Theresa) Weed, Jr. “Rick” that inherited his father’s “can do anything and fix anything” skills. Jim was so very proud of his son and loved hearing about his adventures in the places where Jim grew up in the Florida Panhandle. Rick and Theresa moved to the Pensacola Florida area and took a trip to Apalachicola Florida to locate Jim’s childhood home. Jim was certain that multiple hurricanes had destroyed the home that he so fondly remembered. Address in hand, Rick and Theresa did a road trip and found the childhood home. It is now a bed & breakfast. Jim couldn’t believe it was still standing and so beautifully renovated over the years. The pictures brought him to tears. Other survivors include two grandchildren: his grandson, James E. Weed, III “Eric” who amazed Jim by his beautiful mowing skills and striking mow lines and a very special granddaughter, Stacie Michelle Fitzgerald, who continues to wow the entire family with her zest for learning, and having a good time while racing cars and collecting trophies. Great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Memorial Park 4400 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40218 - Friday September 27, 2024 with immediate family gathering from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, friends may visit and celebrate Jim’s life with his family from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be officiated by Pastor Daniel Guajenti of Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM with a graveside burial immediately following. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11989530.

The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses and staff at Signature Healthcare, and neighbors Thad and Amy Hornung, Greg and Christine (Riley) Lester, and the Lanham family including their sweet little girls, for all the compassionate care and friendship given to Jim, especially after the passing of his beloved spouse and partner, Dottie.

Jim was a tireless servant to his church family and if you walk into Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky you will see beautiful Stained Glass Artwork created by Jim. Per Pastor Guajenti, “Jim’s generosity was constant. For years he served as a stewardship chairman, encouraging the congregation in giving gifts of time, talent, and treasure. He was a great witness of that message in his life, continuing to give even when it was hard for his body to stand and work.” Over the years a partial list of items created by Jim and given to the church include 3-4 dozen 8 inch glass crosses that were given to grieving families, a gift of seven windows for each season of the church year to Holy Cross on their 25th anniversary as a congregation, a larger glass cross that is on display at the front of the church, an Easter Cross that holds fresh flowers, and special windows for the pastors of Holy Cross as pastoral appreciation gifts. Jim enjoyed life to the fullest, was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan and University of Louisville Athletics fan. Go Cards! Jim will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to ask that you plant a tree in Jim’s memory. He loved his trees and all of the birds that visited his deck daily. “Cardie Bird”, his favorite Cardinal visited Jim on his deck daily. To plant a tree in Jim’s honor just go to the Send Flowers tab, then Plant Memorial Trees Tab. There are several options to plant a tree in Jim’s memory.