James Charles Weber, age 77, of Broadus passed away on November 11, 2025 at his home in Broadus.
James was born on July 28, 1948 to Bernie and Carrie (Burley) Weber in Sheridan Wyoming and raised their with his younger sister Linda Zabel. Jim attended 1st thru 8th grade at a Catholic school in Sheridan. His Freshman and Sophomore years were at Assumption Abby Prep school in N.D. Finishing his Jr. and Sr. years in Sheridan. He participated in the rodeo club during this time. Jim and Linda spent most of their summers with his Grandma Freida and Grandpa Jim Burley on the family ranch. His Uncles, Scott and Everett and their families were all a part of the family ranch. Their Aunt Thelma and family regularly spent time at the ranch as well. They were very happy, memorable times for Jim. He loved the animals, helping with the chores and being a part of his big Montana family.
Jim grew up working in his family’s grocery store, Weber Groceries located next to their home, in Sheridan. He spent time helping his Mom in the store. Jim fondly recalled many family weekends at the family cabin and boating with his parents and sister. He spent a lot of his growing up years with his childhood friend, Ray Calentine. Ray and Jim continued their friendship until present day. In June of 1965 he married Lorraine Rogers, in Spearfish S.D. Together on November 22nd they welcomed their baby Colleen. He worked long hours (at Safeway) and went to school, he spent every spare minute with Colleen. He loved being a Dad. After some time spent at Jr. College and working to support his family, Jim, Lorraine and Coleen moved to Denver, so Lorraine could continue her education. They were later divorced in 1980. He met Linda Thomas in Denver and they had 3 daughters: Natalie, Denise, and Jody.
In May of 2022, Jim moved from Denver to Billings Montana, with stage 4 follicular Lymphoma! He lived with his cousin Roxy, where he took chemo treatments at the nearby medical facility. After 6 months of treatment the cancer was in remission. He spent time doing yard work, gardening, (feeding the birds and squirrels), cooking, cleaning and loved to go shopping. He enjoyed listening to 60s music and watching old movies. He took great joy and appreciation in life’s simple pleasures.
In the fall of 2024, Jim moved to his Aunt Thelma Taylor’s house in Broadus. There, he took superior care of the home and yard. He grew a wonderful garden and loved sharing his bounty. He walked everyday to the nursing home, to spend time with his Aunt Thelma. Often, taking her flowers, sharing snacks and helping her work her word scramble book. Most weekends, one of her 3 daughters (Kim, Dixie or Pam) were there to visit, he always looked forward to and enjoyed their company, especially if they brought a baby. He loved children very much. He also regularly stopped in to check in on his Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Buntsy. Always to give a hand or bring some of his home cooking, treats or just to share a smile with a hug. Jim loved his visits from cousin Jay Burley and friend Gerry. He was a great host, not letting anyone one leave hungry. Jim’s life was not an easy one, yet he remained optimistic, with a caring and generous heart, and a sense of humor that was second to none.
Jim was preceded in death, by his parents, Carrie and Bernie Weber and his daughter Jody Chavez (10/12/88 – 3/13/25)
Jim is survived by his Sister Linda Zabel (Gary) Grangeville, Idaho their children and grandchildren. James Zabel ( Natasha) children and grandchildren (Billings, Montana)
Angela Isbell (Billy) children and grandchildren (Grangeville, Idaho); his daughters:
Colleen Hilton (Ken) children and grandchildren (Casper, Wyo.) Natalie Weber (Denver, Co.)
Denise Weber and children (Denver, Colorado).
No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Cindy Rock says
Rest in peace. God bless your loved ones as they carry on your memory of a decent man who loved his family. 🥀
Karen Gaskill says
He was a special guy! I wish life had treated him better, but he had Roxy and other cousins and aunts to love him. He knew he was loved by family and Jesus
Betty Collins says
I missed seeing Jim walk by the house in Broadus on his way to visit his 3 aunts, Bonnie, Thelma, and Buncy. Also rode the transit bus to Billings with him on several occasions
Always such a polite gentleman. He was handed lemons in his life for a long time but with the help of Roxy Burley he finally turned them lemons into lemonade. May you rest in peace now Jim. And God Bless you always Roxy. What an unselfish thing to do for another human being.
Ginger says
Always the gentleman, wearing his trademark fedora and shades….never knew a stranger. Rest well, kind sir. Sincere condolences to Jim’s loved ones.
Jane Thompson says
I enjoyed visiting with Jim when he would stop at the store. Always polite and seemed such a gentle spirit. Rest in peace Jim. I will miss you.
Ray Calentine says
Jim and I were friends since infancy. I was 3 when I first spent time at the Burley ranch with Jim. A few years later we, along with his dad Benie and Walt Ferguson were in a plane crash at the ranch. Damage was minor, though the plane was unflyable, and no injuries but a half mile of fence need replacing. Not what Scott and Everett needed. The tricycle landing gear prevented serious injury we were told. The next morning, we got in another plane and flew to Sheridan. My dad was career Navy, so we were in and out of each other’s lives though we kept in touch as best we were able until marriage and family became our focus. We reconnected in our 60’s through snail mail, telephone calls and occasional trips to Billings. Jim was a steadfast forever friend. Won’t hear him answer the phone, “Weber here”. I miss knowing he’s around.