James Wood Weaver

James Wood Weaver

Dec. 10, 1949 — Aug. 23, 2021
 

James “Jim” Wood Weaver, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, after a yearlong battle with valley fever and complications from a series of strokes.

Born on Dec. 10, 1949, Jim was an extraordinary, self-made entrepreneur who had a keen ability to put ideas into action. Growing up in a small community in Iowa, he developed a love for farming and operating heavy equipment. He attended Arizona State University, but was largely self-taught, having an unstoppable curiosity and drive to succeed in business.

In his early 20s, Jim owned his first limestone quarry and, eventually settling in Billings, branched into the trucking industry in the 1980s. In 1989, he started Warren Transport. For the next three decades, he continued to grow this transportation business and had the vision to diversify into mining, construction, oilfield services, real estate, and more. Jim cared greatly about his many employees and his community and prioritized giving back through The Weave Employee Hardship Fund and numerous charitable contributions every year.

He touched everyone with his great humor, energy and his huge love of family and friends. And, his love for his dogs. His generosity was endless, and those who were lucky enough to know him knew they were always in for a great time with his “let’s go” drive. He could light up a room with his booming, friendly voice and fantastic smile. He kept everyone on their toes, and you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth next.

Jim worked hard and played even harder. He had such enthusiasm for life, was an avid outdoorsman, sports fan and adventure seeker. His interests and talents were never-ending: farming, boating, deep-sea fishing, hunting, flying airplanes, race car driving, golfing, scuba diving, hiking, playing cards, raising cattle, breeding horses, and more. He never missed a chance to bet friends on the latest sporting event, but often wouldn’t cash the check when he won.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Wood and Elaine Weaver; his brother, Merle “Rocky” Weaver; and his sister-in-law, Christie Weaver. Jim’s legacy will live on through his family, including Diane, his loving wife of 25 years; his girls Jennifer, “Jiffy” Kondracki (Brian) and Jeri Sue Kelley (Chris); his sister, Susie Weaver; his stepdaughter Anne Jeffries; his grandchildren, Alexa, James, Andrew, Bridget, MacKenzie; and his nephews Christopher Weaver (Jessie, Samuel and Carter) and Rex Weaver.

Hubby, Dad, Papa, Brother, Friend — you’ve left an enormous hole in our lives, and you will forever be greatly missed. Watch over us all while you are on to your next adventure!

The memorial celebration of Jim’s life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Road, Billings. A reception will follow at Yellowstone Country Club, 3200 Paul Allen Way, Billings.

This celebration of life will be livestreamed with the broadcast beginning 15 minutes before the service. Join here: https://boxcast.tv/view/james-weaver-memorial-q5mibcrven0fcqsaknsb

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Montana Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 3232, Billings, MT 59103 or on their website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Wood Weaver, please visit our floral store.