James 'Jim' Weiss Obituary James "Jim" Joseph Weiss, age 67, died on Friday, February 16, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Jim was born in Virginia, Minnesota on October 13, 1956, to Frank and Virginia Weiss. As one of six siblings growing up on the Iron Range in Gilbert, his early years were filled with fun, adventure, and good-natured mischief. After high school, Jim went on to the University of Minnesota Duluth (go Bulldogs!) where he earned his bachelors degree in industrial technologies. After graduating, he began his 37-year career with Hormel Foods. He soon met the "love of his life," Janice Nehring, and four years later they were married on May 12, 1984. While working at Hormel, Jim and his family moved several times, making new memories and lifelong friends wherever they went. His love and enthusiasm for life was infectious. Jim dove headfirst into everything that interested him, often bringing friends and family along for the ride. This enthusiasm launched a thirty-four-year stint as a volunteer member of the National Ski Patrol, thousands of miles biked for the MS TRAM, multiple sailboats and sailing trips, and countless memories with family and friends. After retirement, he and Jan moved to their home on North Long Lake in Brainerd. Jim loved every minute of retirement, stating it was "the best job he ever had." He soon discovered a new love for cooking, enjoyed serving on the board of the North Long Lake Association, and looked forward to frequent saunas. Jim's love of travel ran deep, and he loved seeing the world with Jan at his side. Always quick with a joke, he shared countless laughs with everyone he met. Jim was an ever-present husband, father, and grandfather who showed up every day, excited to be a part of his family's lives. His grandchildren looked forward to his many tickles and silly antics. Jim will be remembered by so many for his huge presence, passion for life, and unmatched sense of humor. Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Janice; two children, Brad (Rachel) and Emily; two grandchildren, Margot, and Frank; siblings, Stephan (Shirley), Robert (Janet), Kenneth (Patricia), Kathy (Ken) Olson, and Thomas (Holly); and many other cherished family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank, and Virginia Weiss. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2pm at St. Christophers Catholic Church in Nisswa, with Fr. Timothy Lang as celebrant. A lunch will be served at 12pm at the church for all out-of-town guests, and a reception to follow the mass. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 8 from 4-7pm at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd, with a prayer and sharing of memories at 6:30pm. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to mass at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be sent to the Crohns & Colitis Foundation or a charity of your choice. We welcome you to bring a written memory or your favorite story of Jim to share with his family. Arrangements are with the Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd.