| A former Calhoun County High School biology teacher has died suddenly in Japan, where he had been living and teaching for several years.
James F. "Jim" Weaver, 56, of Okinawa, died March 9, 2008.
He was named Air Force Teacher of the Year in 2001.
A Department of Defense press release said, "Jim will be missed greatly by his family and friends in West Virginia, friends and colleagues in Okinawa, and all of his students, both past and present."
Weaver received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Glenville State College in 1974 and a Master's Degree in Administration from West Virginia University in 1983.
He taught for several years at Calhoun County High School before accepting a teaching position with DoDDS (Department of Defense Dependent Schools) in Okinawa, Japan where he taught middle and high school science on Kadena Air Force Base.
He was a baptized member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He and his family attended the Baptist Church located on Kadena Air Force Base.
A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Weaver's classroom activities often included field trips to the beach, stargazing, and rocketry. Away from the classroom and students he loved, Jim enjoyed jogging, biking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and caving.
He will be missed tremendously by his family and friends in the United States and abroad.
Born on August 24, 1951, son of Betty Fern Holpp Weaver and the late James Lauren Weaver of Mt. Zion, he is survived by his wife Takayo and son Alex of Okinawa, Japan; daughter Jamie Hickman of Grantsville; mother Betty of Grantsville; brother David Weaver and his wife Sandy of Grantsville; sisters Lora Sturm and her husband Larry of Ripley, Linda Shock and her husband Mark of Mt. Zion, and Martha Haymaker and her husband Hays of Mt. Zion.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Memorial Services are being planned for both Okinawa and West Virginia.
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