As the family, friends, community and the racing world mourn the loss of the Weller family I reflect on what I’ve known of this great family.

Jim Weller II was a prominent businessman and steel tycoon. Always with a smile and handshake. I once worked for him at the Warren plant, where once a week when in town, he would walk the plant stopping to shake hands and talk with the workers. This says a lot about the character of the man.

I have worked for others who felt they were above the common workers and seldom, if ever, talked to them, but not Jim. He could connect with one and all. He raised two boys anyone would be proud to have.

Weller was a dirt track racer, a two-time Sharon Speedway champion with 36 wins, a two-time Lernerville Speedway champ with 36 wins and eight wins at Tri-City and 85 wins overall.

He donated to Youngstown State University, where there is the Weller House on campus on Wick Avenue that houses students.

His father James Weller passed away in January. He co-founded Liberty Steel in 1965 and was co-owner of Sharon Speedway from 2002-24

His wife Veronica “Ronnie” donated her time to helping others. For 11 years she taught CCD at St. Bernadette’s Church in Masury. She also taught religion class to children who weren’t in Catholic schools. She helped support fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House and the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley. She graduated from Hubbard High School, and the family lived in Liberty. All the Wellers quietly helped many others.

In October 2004, their son, Jimmy Weller III, was seriously injured at Lowes Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., in a USAC Sprint car race. It took months before he could recover with multiple injuries, with mom and dad at his side in N.C. He recovered and went on to race again in the NASCAR Truck series and the Xfinity series.

Their son, John, I have met but did not know well. But I know he was a fine young man being raised in the Weller family.

Jimmy and the Weller family, our hearts and prayers are with you. Memories of this family affect so many and will live on forever.