It is with deepest regret that we note the passing of our IMCA member and great friend, James "Jim" Henry Weir on Friday, June 8, 2012 at his home in Haworth, New Jersey.  He was 79 years old and died from complications associated with a rare form of lymphoma.

 

Jim was born on September 25, 1932 in East Orange, NJ and was the only child of Catherine and Harold Weir.  He was class valedictorian at Bloomfield High School, received a full academic scholarship to Princeton University in 1954 and graduated with a degree in biochemistry and biology.  He earned his M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1958.

 

Jim's commitment to education continued throughout his life.  He was on the Board of Education at the Haworth Public School for many years and served as President in 1968-1969. As past President, he had the privilege of presenting graduation certificates to each of his children.

 

Jim was board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, but loved research, leading to a career in the pharmaceutical industry where after 27 years he was Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer, Park Davis Group (Pfizer). After retiring from Pfizer, he became a medical consultant and developed a course in good clinical practices which he taught at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.

 

Jim married Joyce Foulkes in 1958 and they had three children: Meredith, Douglas and Alison.  The family lived in New Jersey and Jim was a devoted husband and an incredible father and grandfather to his 5 grandchildren.   Jim's selfless nature was reflected in his willingness to listen and advise his children with their school work, career choices and life transitions.  His own father was a builder and one of Jim's 'avocations' was building doll houses, miniature kitchens, workbenches, a go-kart for his kids and a barnyard for his grandchildren.  Another passion of Jim's was gardening and he spent most days on the weekend out in the yard planting, weeding and raking:  he was a familiar sight to passers-by.  In 2004, Joyce and Jim bought a condominium in Naples, FL where he and the family would spend time during winter months every year, making many new and dear friends.

 

Jim was fascinated with science and world history.   He had a deep understanding of whatever interested him and was willing to share what he knew with anyone who had a question or who wanted to discuss their points of view.  He was fluent in French, enjoying an occasional conversation with the family's French in-laws.  He had an uncanny memory and was able to recall the details of most anything he had learned throughout his life.

 

He is survived by his wife Joyce, his children and grandchildren. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider making a contribution to the Lymphoma Research Foundation at 115 Broadway, NY, NY 10006 or to the Valley Hospice, 15 Essex Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 memory of Jim.