James “Jim” Weatherbee, 86, died peacefully Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria,Virginia. He was born in Franklin County, AL to Charles Albert and Annie Maude McNatt Weatherbee. Jim was a graduate of Vina High School, Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama), and the University of Kentucky where he earned a PhD in Mathematics.
He and his beloved wife Judy were married in Florence, AL in 1963 and eventually settled in Springfield, VA where they raised 4 children. They were married for 62 years.
He served in the US Army, worked in information technology in the private sector and for the federal government, and had a successful career at SAIC from which he retired in 2004.
Jim was a self-taught jack of all trades who enjoyed working on his cars, carpentry, maintaining his house, gardening, following the stock market, traveling, and recreational activities including soccer and skiing. Most of all, “Papa” enjoyed spending time with his family.
He was a devout Christian who enjoyed the fellowship at Annandale church of Christ for more than 50 years.
He is survived by his wife Judy, his children: James, Jr., Jeffrey (Stephanie), and John (Susan), his grandchildren: Shelby (Michael), Justin, Ashley, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Alexandra, and David; and his sister, Doris De Celles of Huntsville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charles, his daughter Jo Anne, and his grandson Garrett.
A memorial celebration will be held at the Hunters Crossing Conference Center at Greenspring Senior Living Community, 7430 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA on Saturday, August 2, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. The family is planning a celebration of life in Alabama in late autumn. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Jim’s memory to a charity of your choice.
