James B Weber

James B. Weber, 96, of Natick, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Born in Bridgewater, South Dakota, on November 12, 1929, James was the beloved son of Leo James and Mary Ellen (Jennings) Weber. The second youngest of nine children, he grew up on his family’s farm. He loved working the fields and raising the animals alongside his dad and older brothers. He especially loved his mom’s and sisters’ delicious home cooked meals, which he tried to duplicate in his own home. James became quite skilled at maintaining and repairing the farm equipment, which served him well later in life. While in school, he was a talented tuba player and he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the band. He fully expected to live his life on the farm. However, during the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1951. He served four years as a Machinist Mate aboard the Destroyer USS Robert H. McCard, working the many valves in the engine room, which controlled the flow of steam that powered the ship for both propulsion and electricity.

While assigned on the East Coast, he met Kathleen (Morrison). After the Navy, they married, lived a short time in South Dakota and Watertown, Massachusetts, and then settled in Natick where they raised their family and owned a home for over 60 years. He worked in manufacturing and real estate and then joined John Hancock where he worked for many years, retiring as an executive in the John Hancock Tower in Boston.

James loved his family, both in Massachusetts and South Dakota. For many summers, he, Kathleen, and their five children made the three-day drive to South Dakota to visit family and build connections for the next generation. James was a masterful storyteller. He loved sharing stories of his life, growing up on the farm, and of his time in the service. He was a dedicated family man who woke up daily with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. He loved to sing and had many clever expressions, many learned from his mother.

James was devoted to his Catholic faith. Growing up, he was an altar server. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree Past Grand Knight) and a Lifetime Member of the Catholic Order of Foresters (70+ years). He was a volunteer at St. Patrick’s Church in Natick where he helped maintain the church and was part of a team that restored the historic pipe organ, returning it to its full glory.

He was also a proud veteran, honored the service of others, and was a member of the American Legion and the Tin Can Sailors.

James was predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen (d. 2015), his parents, and his eight siblings: Charles Weber, Anastasia Feterl (Lawrence), Thresilla Feterl (Ralph), Joseph Weber (Joan), Vernon Weber, Dolores Huls (Robert), Donald Weber (Edythe), and Mary Ann Schultz (Lloyd). He was the beloved father of Fay Cote of Groton, MA, Ellen Weber (Larry Beauboeuf) of Columbus, NC, Paula Glod (Douglas) of East Greenwich, RI, James Weber (Catherine) of Framingham, MA, and John Weber of Medway, MA. He was the proud and loving grandfather of Renee Wagner, David Cote, Kevin Cote, Steven Cote (Ashleigh Scharmer), Brian Glod (Jarret Whetstone), Andrew Glod (Megan), Ellen Glod, Noah Douglas Glod, Timothy Weber, Joseph Weber, Amelia Weber, and John Weber. He was the loving great-grandfather of Layne Wagner, Mason Wagner, Zophya Givetz, Kainan Sappier Cote, Mahkai Sappier Cote, Emma Brown, Evelyn Cote, Olivia Cote, Christopher Glod, and Joseph Glod. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Arlene Weber, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home at Natick Common, 4 Park Street, Natick on Monday, December 1, 2025, 8:30 – 9:30 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Natick.

For online guestbook and directions, please visit: www.everettfuneral.com

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