James Robert Weaver

The man known by many names was born on a farm in Rockmart, Georgia on June 10, 1928. Given only the initials J.R. by his parents, J. as his mamma called him, was the youngest of 9 children of Phoebe and Marshall “Dock” Weaver. Growing up in a farming family during the Great Depression, J. quickly learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong love for gardening. While still attending high school, he worked at the Goodyear Cotton Mill on weekends and was able to participate in organizing a Union under the Textile International Union.

After graduating from Rockmart High School, J.R. went to work with the Georgia Power Company repairing street cars as an apprentice mechanic at the Butler Street Barn. After being laid off, J.R. decided to pursue his dream of being a firefighter with the Atlanta Fire Department. While waitlisted for a full time job at the Department, he was hired by General Motors Fisher Body Division on June 12, 1950.

Later that year in September, James Robert was drafted into the U.S. Army as a recruit. While stationed at Camp Pickett, Va, he met the love of his life at a USO Dance at the John Marshall Hotel in Richmond Va. Never one to be shy, Robert told a few white lies to get permission to walk the beautiful Anne Dodge to her cousin’s home that night. They married on October 4, 1952 at the Chester Baptist Church in Chester Va. when he returned from an overseas deployment near Munich, Germany.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army on September 2, 1952 with a Sergeants ranking, James returned to his employment at General Motors. In 1963 Jim was appointed to the UAW Staff by Walter Reuther where he served proudly as an International Representative for 30 years. That position allowed him to travel around the U.S. while he and Anne raised two wonderful children at home in Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD and back to his beloved Tucker, GA until his retirement in 1993.

Whether it was hunting with his son Marshall, cooking with his daughter Janice, traveling the world with Anne, Dad, or “Sweetheart” as his wife called him, always went the extra mile to spend that treasured time with family. He exemplified the true meaning of what a good family man should be. Those values only became stronger as he became a Papa and Great Papa later in life.

What began as a side caddie job in Rockmart, GA, developed into a love for golf throughout his life. Jim played golf all over the U.S. during his tenure with UAW and well into his retirement. He could also be heard cheering on his Atlanta Braves or watching his kids and grandchildren at countless sporting events. His distinct howl from the bleachers would draw a smile to any fans face. The man would never hesitate to drive his prized Cadillac hundreds of miles to see them play and there was never a doubt when Papa (PawPaw) was in the stands.

Jim also wore many hats as a member of countless organizations. As a 68 year Mason, a Yaarab Shriner, a member of the Scottish Rite, and the American Legion, he was always willing to lend a hand to help out his fellow brothers. He was excellent at fundraising and particularly passionate about supporting the Shriners Hospital for Children.

As a Deacon for the Jackson Hill Baptist Church, he will always be known as Bob. Every Sunday Bob and Anne arrived at church early to make sure the coffee was made properly. The church family always looked forward to when Bob would bring in his ambrosia cookies or his World Famous Banana Pudding.

James Robert Weaver is predeceased by his Mother and Father, all 8 brothers and sisters, and his beloved son Marshall.

He is survived by his loving wife Anne Dodge Weaver, his daughter Janice Catlin (Rick Catlin), his daughter in-law Pattie Weaver; 4 grandchildren, Kristi Meinhold (Dave), Jason Catlin (Jan), Mitchell Weaver (Ciara), and Jessica Suggs (Kyle), as well as his 4 great grandchildren, Alexis and Jackson Meinhold, Mila Catlin and Wade Weaver.

With a memory like an elephant and sharp as a tack, he never failed to make you smile. Whether he used his quick wit to throw out those hilarious one-liners, or a simple gaze with his blue-green eyes, he could charm any stranger. His ability to entertain a crowd when he wanted, or humbly serve in his organizations made him a truly special man. Above all else, his unwavering devotion to his Savior Jesus Christ and his wife Anne of 67 years is the very best example of how a man should live and oh how he lived!

J.R., J, James, Jim, Robert, Bob, Dad, Sweetheart, Papa and even Great Papa; no matter what name you called him, you loved him. He lived a blessed life, but we were truly blessed to have had him in ours.

Services will be held at:

Floral Hills Memory Gardens and Funeral Home.

3150 Lawrenceville Highway

Tucker, GA 30084

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Visitation: 9am – 11am

Service: 11 am

In lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation to the Shriners hospital for Children in James R. Weaver’s Honor.