James G. Weaver, 73, of Myerstown, PA, entered into rest on Dec. 5, 2024, of a hemorrhagic stroke surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Ephrata, PA, to the late Rufus and Ella Mae (Good) Weaver. On Oct. 2, 1971, he married Edith Mae Eberly and shared 54 years together.

He was a charter member of Schaefferstown Mennonite Church and Hope Mennonite Fellowship, and he helped in its formation in 1981. He was ordained as a minister on June 5, 1983. He served there, being transferred to Muddy Creek Church to be lead pastor from 2002-2008. In 2009, he was transferred to help in the ministry team at Allegheny Valley Mennonite Church, Bedford County, until his retirement from the ministry on Dec. 31, 2020. James and Edith lived in Bedford until June 2023, moving back to Myerstown to be closer to family.

His ministry included serving on the Board of Mennonite Air Missions in Guatemala for 20 years. He enjoyed many mission trips, loved the people, and had many experiences. Throughout his ministry, he conducted many Evangelistic meetings, Weekend Bible Conferences, Youth Meetings, Retreats, and Summer and Winter Bible Schools.

From the early 1990s to 2010, he served on the prison ministry in Lehigh County Prison, teaching Bible studies to men, women, and juveniles. He took a part-time job with Lighthouse Publishing, a prison ministry providing a discipleship magazine to inmates. His job included opening mail and filling orders for Loaves & Fishes magazine and having many inmate pen pals.

In 1972, he began a vocational career in the Bio Media Industry in collecting specimens used in Diagnostic Medical Research, tissues for medical research. He was employed by several laboratories for over 42 years. He enjoyed his work and had many stories to tell. He realized that every specimen held the potential of a cure for human disease.

He loved his wife and “girl” family and spoke often about not having to raise boys. He was so happy to welcome his sons-in-law and later the grandchildren and great-grandkids. He enjoyed the annual trip to a mountain cabin and looked forward to family gatherings over the holidays.

Lifelong highlights include catering wedding receptions, Christmas banquets, and serving meals at Berean Conference. He enjoyed coordinating B&W Heartland Tours.

He was a strong advocate of the Christian Day School and promoted parents giving their children a complete 12-year education. He was involved as a pastoral advisor in Hope Mennonite Schools.

His love for the Lord and the church was evident by his zeal to share God’s Word with deep feeling.

He is survived by his wife, Edith; four daughters, Glenda Joy, wife of Reuben High, of Gettysburg, PA, Yvonne Kay, wife of Glendon Horst, of Newmanstown, PA, Crystal Lyn, wife of Charles Musselman, of Schuylkill Haven, PA, and Faith Lynelle, wife of Dwight Zimmerman, of Thompson Falls, MT; 23 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, David, and wife, Edith, of Womelsdorf, PA, and Daniel, and wife, Debbie, of Lititz, PA; sisters, Mildred and Miriam, of Ephrata, PA, and Martha, and husband, Melvin Martin, of East Earl, PA.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jordan Musselman; sisters, Susie Mae and Ruth Ann Groff (Weaver) Groff; brother-in-law, Elwood Groff; brother, Richard; and sister-in-law, Thelma (Horst) Weaver.

Public viewings will be held from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at Middle Creek Mennonite Fellowship Center, 520 PA-897 Reinholds, PA 17569. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Middle Creek Mennonite Fellowship Center. Interment will follow at Schaefferstown Mennonite Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be given to Lighthouse Publishing, P.O. Box 332, Bedford, PA 15522.