Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Some called him Paul, most called him Jim. I called him friend. Paul James Weber, our president and leader in so many ways, passed away on May 1st, 2009. I can't tell you how hard this is for me to write .His presence will be missed by not only the board, but also anyone who met or knew him. He was known for his hugs and his smile. He brightened everyone's day. He knew how to calm people when they were upset. He also loved to joke around.Most people did know one thing about him - he loved the blues! The Blues society was important to him right til the end. He would call me to see what was going on with the IBCs. He wanted

Jonnye, his wife and aide, to go to all the shows and report to him, rather than stay home and help him. While most know how important the Blues Society was to him, few know how important he was to the Blues Society. I have to finally tell the story. When the BSWPA was reorganizing, we sat at a meeting. The treasurer read the books, and we were over $1400 in the hole. Their jaws all dropped. We were clueless how to get back to a profitable level. Some of the officers who took over left within a few months. Jim seemed upset but not knocked over by the news. We had the Pittsburgh Blues Festival on the horizon, and nothing to sell and no resources to get any goods. Jim asked me if I could find prices on T-shirts and help figure what design would sell. Mind you, at the time we were both board members not officers. I looked around and gave some prices. Jim Hamel, our president at the time, went to pick the shirts up. But where was the money coming from? I found out that Jim Weber put $1500 of his own money in for the shirts. He said he was sure with some hard work he'd get it back. I watched and learned from him and hiswife, Jonnye, at the Blues fest and we pushed and dealt all weekend.We made $3,100 that weekend, enough to pay our debts and get Jim his money back. This was the start of my respect and love for this man, who became as close a friend as I've had in many, many years. As much as I love the Blues fests all summer, without Jim there, it won't be the same. I have such mixed feelings. While without Jim, it just won't be as much fun or as well organized, I feel motivated to carry on his wishes and his spirit, and make sure the Blues Society is as strong as ever. For all of you who will be visiting us at Pittsburgh Blues Festival, come and pass on a hug, make it infectious. It's the best way to keep Jim's spirit with us. So, a big hug to all of you. We all will miss Jim, but his spirit is in all of us who knew him.