York "Jim" Arnold Wesson

York Arnold Wesson, of Williamsburg died peacefully on November 16, 2023 at the age of 86. Born in Washington, D.C. to Arnold & Jane Madore Wesson, “Jim” was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ann Figg Wesson. He is survived by his three children: Autumn Wesson Warrington (Dennis), Christine Wesson Choate & Stephen A. Wesson. Jim was blessed with 3 loving grandchildren: Madison and Matthew Choate, and Cody Warrington. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Sarah Figg (98) and sister-in-law, Kathy Figg of Prince George, VA; and first wife, Bonnie Sheppard of Williamsburg, VA.

Jim graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and American University in DC. Growing up, Jim worked for his father’s family business operating several east coast National Wax Museum sites coupled along with concession stands in and around the D.C. monuments. After marriage to Bonnie in 1965, Jim moved his young family to Williamsburg in 1968, to raise his family while managing the newly opened Williamsburg Wax Museum on Richmond Road (now Captain George’s). Jim married his second wife Ann - the love of his life - in 1976. Together the Wesson’s opened the legendary Beethoven’s Inn in Williamsburg, a local restaurant they managed successfully for 22 years (French onion soup, Titanic’s and the Waldo). Jim also operated The Ancient Mariner’s Inn in Yorktown & “Autumn Leaves'' bed and breakfast out of the family home on Jamestown Road.

Jim loved his family, friends, and neighbors. He grew up attending hundreds of baseball games in the DC area and has been a Washington Nationals fan since the franchise came to D.C. For many years, Jim sponsored his restaurant’s softball team and had a baseball club. As an avid reader, he never went anywhere without a good book, often a mystery. His home library was adorned with hundreds of books and he loved reading with his young grandchildren. You could often find him reading on DOG street or at the Williamsburg Library. Slow walks through William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg were a favorite activity for Jim and Ann.

For over 40 years, Jim prided himself in his sobriety. One of his greatest joys was helping others on their journey to sobriety and many special friendships were built through Williamsburg AA. He truly embodied living life “one day at a time”.

The family thanks the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, November 21 from 4pm to 6pm at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, 3051 Ironbound Road. The family encourages you to speak any “words of wisdom” you have acquired over the years during your friendships with Jim. Refreshments will be served after the service for those who would like to visit with the family. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 22 at 11am at Cedar Grove cemetery, 809 S Henry Street and is open to all.

To honor his memory, please consider donations to Hospice House & Support Care of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or to the Williamsburg Unitarian Church.