JAMES WEINER

1936 - 2021

WEINER James Alan Weiner It is with great sadness that the family of James Alan Weiner announces his sudden death on June 22, 2021, in Palm Beach, Florida, after a lingering illness. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts on January 16, 1936, James grew up in Swampscott which was his home until he left to go to Bates College. After graduating and serving in the Military, James worked briefly at the Baltimore Social Security Administration before he joined the United States Foreign Service. Embarking with the rank of Consul for the American Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, James moved through the Foreign Service ranks to Counsellor of Embassies to become a senior Foreign Service Career Officer. In addition to Ecuador, he served in Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Bogota, as well as assisting in opening the U.S. Embassy of the German Democratic Republic, serving as Embassy Counsellor in Berlin under Ambassador John Sherman Cooper. James had a unique ability to immerse himself in the culture and language of the many assigned countries. His interest in foreign and domestic affairs was a paramount activity for James. He brought his gifts of understanding complicated situations, managing teams, and conveying his deep sense of pride in his country to his postings. His enthusiasm, his passion for his work, his skill with people and his gift for entertaining became anticipated trademarks. James shared these diplomatic years abroad with his former wife, Aniko Gaal, who along with James, was a consummate ambassador for the countries in which they served. Upon his return to Washington, DC, his roles included Director of the Office of Recruitment and Management, Executive Director of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and that of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. He also served as a Foreign Service Inspector and was a proud alumnus of the National War College. James retired from the Foreign Service after four decades with the rank of Minister Counsellor. As one of the country's top diplomats, James served our country with admiration and dedication, earning the respect of his colleagues. James was inquisitive, active, and adventurous. He loved to ski, and excelled at golf, tennis, and bridge. He enjoyed good food and fine wine, had a wonderful sense of humor, and danced a mean Samba. He was an engaging storyteller and appreciated the Boa Vida with friends. Following his retirement, he moved to Palm Beach in 1996. James became a member of the World Affairs Council, the Foreign Service Retiree Association, and the Cato Institute. For fifteen years, James served as one of the Directors of the Palm Beach Civic Association, involved in town governance. He leaves his older brother, Dr. Robert Macy Weiner and his wife Helen of Boston, Massachusetts, and his nephews, Andrew Weiner of Montclair, New Jersey, and Kristopher Weiner of New York City. James will be missed by his many dear and treasured friends. A celebration of his life will be held in Washington, DC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to The Palm Beach Civic Association or a charity of your choice.A celebration of his life will be held in Washington, DC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to The Palm Beach Civic Association or a charity of your choice.