James Francis Weege, a much-loved veterinarian and longtime resident of Ocean Ridge, died suddenly on October 22, 2022. He was 77.
Dr. Weege was an active, practicing vet until the day before his death. He is survived by his wife, Susan (nee Ross).
The couple were active members of the Ocean Ridge Garden Club and his commitment to the town was long-standing and generous. There is a plaque acknowledging his dedication to the care and maintenance of the beautiful koi pond at Town Hall.
Dr. Weege grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a doctorate in veterinary medicine.
His love of the ocean and expertise in reptile health ultimately landed him in South Florida, where he had a 30-year affiliation with Florida Atlantic University and research projects with sea turtles.
Dr. Weege’s oversight of the sea turtle’s health at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center enabled no fewer than 20 masters of science and Ph.D. students, along with several hundred undergrad students, to pursue their sea turtle studies. Dr. Weege was magnanimous in sharing his time, knowledge and boat to help with off-shore turtle releases.
He was able to assist an international film crew get to just the key spot to film turtles at sea. The feature-length film Turtle: The Incredible Journey was released in 2009.
Dr. Weege built the building and practice at Colonial Animal Hospital on Woolbright Road in Boynton Beach in the mid ’70s, where he practiced for 30 years. He was the only local vet who took care of all kinds of animals, including reptiles.
Dr. Robert Martin, who now runs the practice after purchasing it from Dr. Weege in 2004, recalls a shared love of the outdoors which was always a common thread for their friendship. “I loved him and will always respect what he accomplished at Colonial Animal Hospital. It was his invention and he developed a huge following at that location,” he said. “He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion when dealing with his animal patients and their families. He was truly a 24/7 veterinarian, answering calls on the weekends and often taking sick animals home to be tended.”
Martin said working with Dr. Weege was a great experience, and as the years went by, he noticed how Dr. Weege understood his role in the human-animal bond and the desire to establish and maintain client relationships.
“This is why so many clients saw him as a friend and not just their trusted veterinarian.” Martin said. “The East Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge, Delray Beach communities have lost an amazing man.”
Dr. Weege was a passionate hunter, fisherman and diver, and a 28-year member of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gertrude Weege of Ixonia, Wisconsin and nine of his 11 siblings.
In addition to his wife, Dr. Weege is survived by his brother Patrick (Phyllis) of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin and sister Sandra (James) Pritzlaff of Dousman, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his sons Brad (Jennifer) Weege of Denver and Stephen (Patricia) Weege of Port St. Lucie, stepson Andre Walia, stepdaughter Lauren (Corey) Funk, and six grandchildren: Gavin, Andrew, Nicholas, Blake, Mason and Brooke.
Dr. Weege will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Many stories have been posted on the Lorne and Sons Funeral Home website, where associates have written about their shared experiences.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Ocean Ridge Town Hall, 6450 North Ocean Blvd. on November 26, 2022. The family will receive friends from 10:30am to 11:00am with an 11:00am Memorial Service. A Gathering and Repast will immediately follow at the Ocean Ridge Town Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards by visiting www.gumbolimbo.org/donate. Choose "Dedicate This Gift" and put James Weege in the box that says "Who do you want to recognize?".
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