James "Jim" Weis, age 93, of Decorah, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his home in Decorah, Iowa.

Funeral services will take place in the summer of 2026, TBD.

James (Jim) Alvin Weis was born to Alvin H. and Pauline L. (Koester) Weis on October 1, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the third of ten children. Jim attended St. Benedict Catholic School and graduated from Decorah High School in 1950. He then attended St. Mary’s University in Winona for two years before returning to Decorah following the sudden death of his father. At that time, Jim, along with his brothers Tom, Richard (“Tip”), and Joe, assumed responsibilities to help their mother with the family car business.

In 1957, Jim graduated from Loras College in Dubuque with a major in economics and a minor in Spanish. In 1966, he married Caroline L. Hjerleid of Decorah at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with three children: Matthew, David, and Mary.

Jim and his brothers were deeply dedicated to the success of the family business. After purchasing Weis Buick Co. from their mother, Pauline, the four brothers shared ownership of the dealership and worked together to build a strong and enduring enterprise. Through their collective efforts—each brother contributing in his own important way—the business was honored with the prestigious World Class Satisfaction Award from the Buick Motor Division for outstanding dedication and service to customers.

Being an active part of the Decorah community was important to Jim. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge, where he was honored to serve as Exalted Ruler, and he attained 50 consecutive years of membership in the Knights of Columbus. Jim was also a member of the Kroneklubben at Vesterheim and supported the Porter House Museum and Nordic Fest. More simply, Jim supported local businesses and was often seen shopping and dining locally.

Jim followed in the footsteps of both his mother and father by earning a pilot’s license. He flew with the Decorah Flying Club and, in 1963, was appointed to the Airport Commission. Jim also had a lifelong passion for the game of golf. He developed a love for the sport at a young age while working as a caddy at Oneota. Throughout his life, golf remained his favorite pastime. In addition to his love of the game, Jim served Oneota as a board member and as its president.

Jim was a lifelong learner with a deep fascination for history and geography. He especially enjoyed learning the family history of each and every person he met on his many journeys throughout life.

The foundation of Jim’s life was his deep Catholic faith, which shaped the way he lived, loved, and served. At St. Benedict Catholic Church, he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister and was a member of the school board.

Jim is survived by his children: Matthew (Dawn), David (Anne), and Mary (Magnus); grandchildren Kajsa and Annika Hellmark, Nora, Patrick and Sarah Weis; sisters JoAnn (Tom) Martindale and Betty (Gabe) Alvarado; Jim's sisters-in-law Patricia Weis and Lorraine. brother-in-law Homer Hjerleid; sisters-in-law Sandra Kittelson and Betty Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Caroline Louise (Hjerleid), parents: Alvin and Pauline; brothers Tom (Lorraine) Weis, David P. Weis, Richard (Vernelle) Weis, Joseph (Patricia) Weis; sisters Shirley (Cyril) Murphy, Edina, MN, Jeanenne (SNJM), Los Gatos, CA, Sandra Weis, Decorah; sister-in-law Renee (Homer) Hjerleid, brother-in-law Carleton (Sandra) Kittelson; father-in-law Gavin Hjerleid and mother-in-law Josephine, both of Decorah.

The family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship and support shown by so many customers, friends and family members throughout Jim’s life. Memorial contributions may be made, if one wishes, to the charity or organization of choice