James Stephen Weith

1943 - 2022

James Stephen Weith was born in Pittsburgh, Pa on August 11, 1943, the first son of Marjorie McCreery Weith and Dr. Archie James Weith. Raised in Darien, Connecticut, "Steve" demonstrated an affinity for the water, sailboats, and adventure throughout his life. At the tender age of 16 he joined the crew of the 92 ft sailing vessel Brigantine Albatross, departing from Bermuda and sailing up the East Coast to Nova Scotia, Canada. This 2-month adventure, covering over 3000 nautical miles, fully captured his youthful imagination and inspired Steve throughout his life.In 1961, upon graduation from Darien High School, Steve matriculated at the University of Kansas and could often be found enjoying the local nightlife in Kansas City on the weekends. He subsequently moved to California where he spent the next 40 years enjoying the Monterey Bay area. During this time, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and left with in 1968 with an Honorable Discharge, while being recognized with the National Defense Service Medal. He also attended the Art Institute of California and Foothill College in California.Steve spent the summer of 1969 on Deer Isle, Maine helping his family build a log cabin directly along Southeast Harbor. During his free time he handcrafted a wooden racing hydroplane to explore the local waters. Steve's intellectual curiosity was extensive throughout his life and ranged from architecture and fine art, agriculture, woodworking and traditional building trades - through boat building and sailboats. He devoted endless energy to "research" new pursuits and interests throughout his life. Steve's legendary pursuits were eclectic and ranged from producing a calendar entitled "Santa Cruz Beach Girls", through designing and building a catamaran, to organic farming in the San Joaquin Valley - often servicing the finest restaurants in San Francisco with heirloom tomatoes and other fine ingredients. He took up wood carving later in life and attended advanced classes in Bar Harbor, Maine, while living in the family log Cabin on Osprey Point, Deer Isle, Maine. A lover of animals, Steve set up elaborate systems to support the feeding of wild animals including squirrels, crows, foxes and others - wherever he lived. He purchased and dispensed 50lb bags of sunflowers on a regular basis to support his wild friends – not always to the full appreciation of neighbors.Steve enjoyed a wide range of adventure novels, from authors such as James Lee Burke, Lee Child and Robert Parker. He appreciated strong and decent men, sometimes conflicted, who typically did the right things in their own individualistic way. He led his life in a similar manner. In 2007 Steve relocated to Deer Isle, Maine, to help care for his mother, Marjorie Weith Capen. While there he applied his farming skills to grow and provide heirloom tomatoes and other vegetables to the Island Nursing Home and others. Upon her death he moved to Tyron NC, where he enjoyed the moderate climate, extended growing season and beautiful vistas.Steve leaves behind his brother Kenneth and Nancy Weith of Bethel, Ct., Peter Weith and Karen Fondacaro of Charlotte, Vt., and Patricia Field of Greene, Maine, along with his nieces and nephews including Tyler and Jordan Weith and Cheryl Anne and Christopher Field. In lieu of flowers we would encourage donations to the Community Sailing Center, P.O. Box 64818, Burlington, Vermont 05406 in his honor. A recognition and celebration of Steve's life will be held in the future.