Capt. James Weems, 88, died Thursday, March 18, 2010 in Summerplace, Talladega.
He was born Sept. 9, 1921 in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in Gadsden.
He attended the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He spent 37 years at sea and received a special commendation from the U.S. Secretary of the Navy for the outstanding performance of he and his ship’s crew in aiding the evacuation of South Vietnam at the close of the war.
He served on the Stewartville Water Board for six years and was a member of the Zamora Temple. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Weems and Carrie Weems; a sister, Rosa Weems Paige; and three brothers, Leonard Weems, George Weems and Theodore Weems.
Survivors include his wife of more than 63 years, Edith Ruth Cox Weems of Sylacauga; son, Dr. James Weems Jr. of Talladega; two daughters, Michele Weems (Jackson) Truitt and Patricia Carolyn Weems (Lee) Gourdouras of Bay Minette; brother, Albert Weems of Colorado; grandchildren, Pamela Truitt (Edward) Saunier, Jonathan (Marena) Truitt, James Gourdouras, Patricia Carolyn Gourdouras (Jacob) Hood; and great-grandchildren, Shelby Saunier, Gracie Saunier, Sophie Saunier and Wesley Hood.
Visitation was held Sunday, March 21 at Curtis and Son North Chapel in Sylacauga. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 22 at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Dean officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memroial Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Leon Gourdouras, James Gourdouras, Jonathan Truitt, Edward Saunier, Greg Street. John “Chip” Street Jr. and Rodger Adams.
Arrangements are by Curtis and Son Funeral Home, Sylacauga. Online condolences may be made to www.curtisandsonfh.com.
