James Todd Weber

James Todd Weber, 35, died June 26, 2002, in Chicago following a two-year battle with leukemia.

He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree from Kent State University. He and Rachel Jones of Langley were married on Whidbey Island in 1998. They moved to Chicago, where he was employed as a commercial real estate appraiser.

As befits a native son of Cleveland, Mr. Weber was an avid fan of rock and roll, baseball and Cincinnati chili. He was never far from his earphones, grew wonderful tomatoes, and had a subtle humor that kept friends and family laughing. He was a talented writer who was detailing his experience with leukemia. Although very aware of the gravity of his disease, Mr. Weber liberally demonstrated his sense of humor in his journal. Excerpts were read by his wife at his service.

On Feb. 6, 2002, he became the father of twins, Sean and Julia.

Mr. Weber was the cherished son of David and Barbara Weber, dear brother to Laura Weber and Jeffery Weber, all of Cleveland, Ohio. He was enthusiastically welcomed into Rachel’s extended family: Phil Groening, Cindy Smith, and Abe Smith-Groening of Langley; Bruce Jones, Maggie Sullivan, Kyle Sullivan Jones and Kate Sullivan Jones of Barnstable, Mass.; and Erika Stone of York, Pa.

Memorial gifts may be given to the College America Fund for the benefit of Sean and Julia Weber, c/o Kelly Weiderhold, 32 School St., Lexington, MA 02421, or to the Leukemia Society of America.