James Gilbert “Jim” Weatherly, 90, Jasper, Missouri, passed away Thursday evening, December 3, 2020 at his home.
Jim was born July 10, 1930 in Atlantic, Iowa to the late H.P. Weatherly and Mildred Joy (Vail) Weatherly. He was a 1948 graduate of Jasper High School. Jim was a veteran proudly serving his country from 1948 – 1959 in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines, retiring from the Marines in 1968 at the rank of Major. During his time in the military, Jim was assigned to an Elite Squadron in Korea, VMF 513 the “Flying Nightmares”. The squadron flew both F4 Corsairs and the F7F-3N Panthers, Bomber Protection, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance. He was also part of the VMF-334 F8 Crusader; the first marine squadron in the 1000 mph club. After retirement from the Marines, Jim worked as a commercial airline pilot for Western Airlines and later with Delta Airlines retiring in 1995. Jim was also a well-known philanthropist. One of his great honors was receiving the Friend of Education Award, an annual honor handed out by the Missouri State Teachers Association, Southwest District, for a generous donation to the Jasper R-5 School District in 1996. Jim was a genuine and very caring man that had many stories to tell.
Survivors include his son, Paul Weatherly, Stockton, Mo; two grandchildren, Sarah Beckley (Brendon), Springfield, Mo, and Joseph Weatherly, Brookline, Mo; a brother, Steve Weatherly; two sisters; Sherrill Miller, and Ellen Baker; and eight nieces and nephews, Kristi Busken (Bernie), Shelley Stone (Mark), Molly Miller (Tim), Courtney Miller, Vanessa Mallory (Virgil), Rachel Greene (Jeff), Kyle Mallory (Sandy), and Elizabeth Christensen.
Per Jim’s wishes, there was cremation. Private family services will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
