James Mark Wesley

Jim held degrees in history from the University of Wisconsin and Asian Studies from the University of Michigan.

Jim had two careers, first as a journalist and later as an educator. After a stint at NBC News in NY where he covered US opening of relations with China and national presidential campaigns, he joined the Robert McNeil Report, moving to Washington as part of the original Washington based staff. He went on to produce documentaries at WETA (he won two Emmys) and teach writing at Georgetown University. He followed current events passionately with an historian’s perspective.

His second career was teacher at Thomas Pyle Middle School in Bethesda, where he taught Social Studies until his retirement.

Jim combined a journalist’s skepticism with a warm sense of humor. He was a favored uncle to nieces and nephews and friends’ children, to whom he was generous with his time and gifts.

An avid gardener and reader, his passion for cooking and enthusiasm for visiting

restaurants and eating exotic foods remained until his last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held in April of 2026.