James "Jim" Raymond Weller

James “Jim” Raymond Weller, 89, passed away on July 7, 2024, at his home in Springfield, Michigan.

Born on July 8, 1934, to Glenn and Margaret (Smith) Weller in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was raised there. Jim attended Kalamazoo Central, while there he joined boxing and proudly represented the feather weight division. After graduating, Jim was drafted in the United States Army and spent time in Korea after the war. He enjoyed his time overseas and was proud to have served. After an honorable discharge, Jim began working as a machinist, first for Humphrey Products then later for Kraft Foods in the Post division. It was at work he met Linda (née Mullins) Southerland, who he married in Bardstown, Kentucky, and had 33 wonderful years of marriage with.

In his younger days, Jim was a stock car racer and competed at tracks in Grand Rapids, Hartford, and Galesburg. He also loved to watch sprint car racing, and always cheered for his beloved Red Wings. Jim's love of adventurous hobbies never left him, as he went skydiving twice! Jim celebrated his 75th birthday by jumping out of a plane. Summers were spent on Matteson Lake at Jim and Linda's lake house in Bronson, Michigan.

A parishioner of Faith Baptist Church, Jim also served as a Deacon. Jim enjoyed going to church and seeing his community. He was always social and never met a stranger.

Most of all, Jim loved being a grandpa. He was known to most of his grandchildren's friends and even their parents as "Grandpa Weller". They were always up to something fun with grandpa, whether it was building a tree house, playing basketball or hockey, building forts or running through obstacle courses he set up for them. Jim was a "big kid" at heart and loved to have fun.

James is survived by his wife Linda; son Jeff Weller of Battle Creek, Michigan; stepdaughter Tracy Miller of Battle Creek, Michigan; grandchildren Amanda (Grace) Kruszka, Sheena (Chris) Myers, Jessica Piper, Logan (Hakeem) Manning, Emerson (Reiley) Brown, Connor Miller, and Caitlyn Miller; four greatgrandchildren; sister Beverly Mason of Brooklyn, Michigan; as well as many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Julie Kruszka; stepson Troy Southerland; and his parents.

Memorial visitation will take place on Monday, July 22 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, Michigan. Memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Roy Henry officiating. Interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project or Faith Baptist Church.