James Bryant Weida

James Bryant Weida, age 68, of Maplewood Minnesota, formerly of Shawnee Kansas and St. Paul Minnesota, died peacefully on February 23, 2025. He was surrounded by numerous family members and the memories of many others.

James, known to most as Jim, was born in St. Paul Minnesota to Donald and Eileen (Kohler) Weida on October 29, 1956. He graduated from St. Paul Johnson High School. His years there yielded much success and great memories not only academically, but also on the wrestling mat and as a distance runner. His part time job working at his uncle Bob’s Dairy Queen store on Lowery Street launched him into a 35-year career at Dairy Queen International where he retired from the American Dairy Queen Regional OFC division.

He will be remembered for his love of running, coaching Special Olympics, annual trips to the Great Minnesota Get Together to spend time with his family, making sure the curl on top of a DQ ice-cream cone was made just right, and for his love of watching his favorite sports teams: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas Jayhawks, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. More recently he will be remembered for his daily walks around town where he would stop to simply say hello to everyone that crossed his path.

James was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Shawnee, Kansas. He would often talk about his love for the Lord and how he could not wait to meet his maker.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Eileen Weida, stepmother Alice Weida, and brother Kevin. He is survived by his children, Erik, Bethany, and George; grandchildren, Winter and Madison; siblings Mike (Carole), Don (Kathy), Cindy Hoganson (Gary), Donell Feider (Jay), and Deanna, along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by very special friends that he considered family, Elaine Ebb and Hugh Parris.

The family of James Weida wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Elaine and Hugh, the stellar staff at Boden Senior Living in Maplewood, and Hospice of the Midwest. We are also grateful to those that helped facilitate James’ return to Minnesota in his final years to be closer to siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial walk will take place at a later date around Jim’s favorite running spot, Lake Phalen in St. Paul.