Remembering lifelong Park City resident and beloved community member Jim Weaver

After a lifelong devotion to his family, faith, and community, one of the most well known and longest living residents of Park City, James Weaver, passed away last week at the age of 89. Photo: Emily Loveland.

PARK CITY, Utah — After a lifelong devotion to his family, faith, and community, one of the most well known and longest living residents of Park City, James Weaver, passed away last week at the age of 89. As a Park City High school and University of Utah alumni, mine worker, U.S. Navy Veteran, firefighter and friend to many, Weaver was one of the greatest treasures of the community.

As one of the longest living residents the town has ever seen, Weaver remained loyal to his city and immersed himself into the community throughout the town’s transformation over the years. Despite living through the depression, world wars, and the closure of the mines by which he was employed, Weaver embedded himself and enjoyed all that Park City had to offer.

“My father lived his entire life in old town Park City,” Clinton Weaver, Jim’s son said. “He loved the community, he loved the people, he loved the mountains. He shared his love of Park City with both residents and visitors. Trips for coffee or to the post office were never quick; he seemed to know everyone and he definitely wanted to talk to everyone.”

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To illustrate even further his commitment to his town and country, Weaver even forfeited his football scholarship at Utah in order to work, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Navy where he served from 1956-1957 and was stationed in Japan as a personnel specialist.

“His service to the community was unparalleled as well as many hours of volunteer work at St. Mary’s Catholic church every year,” Park City Council member Tana Toly said. “He also adopted the widows of Park City, and was there for their maintenance chores, always with a smile and never a discouraging word. As the town changed, instead of using that word, instead of complaining about it, he welcomed and embraced all newcomers, and found positive reasons for all the changes.”

Upon his return, Weaver began a career as a machinist for General Electric. He also married a Park City girl, Marilyn Musick, whom he raised three children with (a son and two daughters) before they divorced.

In addition to his career, Weaver continued serving the community as he was a devout catholic and lifelong member of Saint Mary’s of the Assumption Parish in Park City, was a volunteer firefighter, President of the Park City High School alumni association, and heavily involved in the towns community celebrations (July 4 and Labor Day). He always had time for friends and family, whether that included some of his favorite recreational activities, grabbing a quick cup of coffee or being the community’s handyman, Weaver loved to be with people.

“Jim loved fishing and hunting; driving in the mountains; morning coffee with friends; reminiscing about Park City’s early days; long talks on the porch; fixing things that were broken (usually with a part stored for years in his home or from a junk yard); his independence; and his friends, community and family — especially his four grandchildren,” Jim’s daughter-in-law Sarah Weaver explained.

While Jim will certainly be missed, his legacy is one that can be learned from, and will be remembered, as Jim created lasting memories and relationships by immersing himself in the service of others and his community.

“It is hard to think about Jim Weaver without thinking about Park City,” Sarah continued. “The city and its people were literally part of who he was.”

Jim is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a son-in-law and daughter-law: Steven Dale Lewis and Sarah Jane Weaver.