Former Speaker Jim Weiers passes

James P. Weiers, the two-time speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, passed away Friday, April 19, 2024, after abattle with congestive heart failure. He died peacefully, surrounded in his final hours by his wife Gina, his four children, and his 12 grandchildren.

Born in SouthDakota, Jim moved to Phoenix where he met and married his wife, Gina. They moved to Texasand finally back for good to Phoenix, starting several businesses along the way. He found his way into politics and was first elected to the Arizona House in 1994 and served in the Legislature until 2013. He served two stints as Speaker, from 1999-2001 and again from 2005-2009 with a term in the state Senate in between.

Jim never met a person he could not entertain for hours with stories of his youth or business or political experiences. He held court in thespeaker's office sharing stories as he befriended members of the Legislature - both Republicans and Democrats. Weiers was fond of comparing the Legislature to school: the Senate was the library and the House was the playground. Jim preferred the House.

Jim still drove his 1972 VW bug with a custom 1937 Ford hood and grille. He refused to get ridof it because it was the car he had when he began dating Gina. Outside the Legislature, Jim was dedicated to his family and a regular attendee at the Church of Christ. He loved to entertain at large gatherings with the many small grandchildren. He never gave up his love of politics and was a dedicated Republican until the end

Weiers is survived by his wife Gina, 4 kids, 12 grandchildren, his brother, Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, his stepmother JoAnne Weiers, and four sisters.

 

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