James T. Weller Sr. 1930-2025

He was surrounded by his wife of 71 years, his children and grandchildren, and his dog, Will.

Born Aug. 2, 1930, in Patton, Pa., Jim was the second child of Andrew and Matilda Weller. The family relocated to Ohio when Jim was a young boy.

Jim was a graduate of Mineral Ridge High School, where he was a member of The Three Trumpeteers. Jim played in the Warren Junior Military Band, and he proudly served in the United States Army, in Germany, where he taught bugler school. Jim’s life was filled with music.

Jim married Geraldine “Gere” Lynch on Aug. 22, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Mineral Ridge. Jim and Gere eventually settled in Liberty Township where they raised their four children.

In 1965, Jim, along with his father Andy and brother Jack, founded Liberty Steel Products in Sharpsville, Pa. Jim went on to found Liberty Steel Industries in 2015.

A lover of racing and the racetrack, Jim became a co-owner of Sharon Speedway, Hartford, in 2002.

Jim was a member of St. Edward’s Church in Youngstown. He served on the board of many organizations, including St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Jim was a business owner, a philanthropist and an outdoorsman, but the most important title that he ever held was Dad and Grandpa. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Jim is survived by Gere, his wife of 71 years; his four children, Sue (Peter) Simpson of Okeechobee, Florida, Jill Weller of Cincinnati, James Jr. (Ronnie) of Liberty and Amy (Scott) Wagner of Zionsville, Indiana; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother Andrew “Jack” Weller of Liberty.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Virginia Weller and Janet Cannell. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at St Edward Church, 240 Tod Lane, Youngstown.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward Church.

Jim will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beacon of the Valley Community Foundation, 7 West State St., Suite 310, Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146, or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Stewart-Kyle Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to visit the funeral home’s website www.stewart-kyle.com to share memories and condolences.

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