James "Jim" Weaver, age 78 of Murphy, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2025.
Originally from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, where he attended what is now the Lock Haven University and graduated with one of the first Liberal Arts degrees offered at the institution. Jim came to make Murphy, North Carolina home until his passing on February 19, 2025. His love of the mountains and the warm-hearted people he found here are what drew him to settle here with his wife of 31 years.
Jim worked as an administrator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania overseeing various agency functions, including the state's Cost Reduction, Records Management, and Mail Services programs. He also served as the Special Assistant for Central Services for the State. Some of the projects he was most proud of were: coordinating the response and retrieval and relief efforts following the Johnstown Flood of 1977 which aided people devastated by the floods; supporting the state's response to both the Hurricane Agnes and Three Mile Island incident; and enhancing public access and barrier-free facilities in the State Capital Complex from inception through the process of securing legislative funding and construction. With guidance from conservationist in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, he was instrumental in preserving the integrity of Pennsylvania's War Flags and preventing them from destruction.
From an early age, Jim also had a passion for music beginning with piano and moving to the pipe organ while playing clarinet with the high school marching band while he was still in 7th grade. Jim spent over 40 years as a church organist and choir director, starting in high school and serving several churches in Pennsylvania. A past president of the Harrisburg Chapter of the Guild of Organist and Secretary and Board Member of the American Guild of Organist, Jim spent considerable time promoting an appreciation of the church organ and music. Not limited to church music, Jim was also the bass player of the National Apple Harvest Dance Band and one summer in college, played piano for Millbrook Playhouse productions, including a traveling production of South Pacific where he was encouraged by the show's New York orchestra manager to take his talent to Broadway.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy, many nieces and nephews, in-laws, out-laws and friends.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to charities of your choice.
No services are planned at this time.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
