James Weller

James Ward (Jim) Weller, 82, died at his home in Spartanburg on Sunday, February 18, 2018. Born December 19, 1935 in Lexington, NC, he was the son of the late Leslie Ward Weller and Pauline Church Weller. Jim was a 1954 graduate of Central High School in Charlotte, NC and a 1958 graduate of Davidson College. At Central, he lettered in football and track. At Davidson he ran track and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He served in the Marine Corps. Jim was married to Lillian Shannonhouse of Charlotte for 44 years until her death in 2003. Jim was a small business owner and was very successful in many diverse ventures in the business world. Jim was a long-time member of St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte. On April 25, 2015 he married his Central High School sweetheart, Betty Barnes Walpole of Spartanburg. In Spartanburg he was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Throughout his life, Jim was an avid reader and enthusiastic runner. He loved dogs and trained many breeds for years. Jim was a gentle and quietly generous man who was devoted to his family. Jim is survived by his wife, Betty Barnes Walpole Weller; his three children, Lilly Goodnow (Bill), Jim Weller Jr. (Katherine) and Andrew Weller; his sister, Patricia Weller Engle; his "bonus" children, Chip Walpole (DeAnn) and Beth Walpole Neidenbach (Peter); seven grandchildren, Ellie and Will Goodnow, Jamie, Alex and Graham Weller, Mac and Lucy Weller; and seven "bonus" grandchildren, Gambrell W. Burns, Trey and Caroline Walpole, Charles, Sarah Glenn, Charlotte and Thomas Neidenbach. In addition to his parents and his first wife, Jim was predeceased by his sister Marjorie Weller Walker. The entire family is grateful for the care given by Spartanburg Regional Hospice and Jim's youngest son, Andrew who was at his father's side for the last two months offering loving care. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Evans and the Rev. Joanne Hull. Committal into the Columbarium will be private. Memorials may be made to Winter Warmth, First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. The J. F. Floyd Mortuary To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Ward Weller please visit our Sympathy Store.