James Oscar “Jim” Weir, 92, of Moline, passed away January 2, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was the longtime broker/owner of Weir Realty Company, a true friend to many, and a humble example of the American Dream, building a loving family, good life, and successful business from modest beginnings. Jim was happiest when helping others and making them laugh. He had the heart of a lion and the kindness of a lamb. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, brother, neighbor, and mentor, and he will be dearly missed.

Jim was born November 24, 1933, in West Liberty, Iowa, the eldest of three children born to young farmers. The family soon settled on a rented farm on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River across from Muscatine, Iowa. Jim worked in the fields when small farms still used horses, milked cows, tended cattle and chickens, and hunted game for food beginning at age seven. The family started with almost nothing but shared incredible love and an undaunted will to succeed despite the hardships of the Depression. After a few years, they purchased their own farm near Eliza, where his parents remained for more than 50 years.

Most days, Jim walked or rode a horse to a one-room schoolhouse before attending Reynolds High School. Neighbors were like family, always helping one another. Fun meant playing with cousins, building forts in the timber or haymow, and going fishing. His parents included him in decisions from an early age. The values, integrity, common sense, work ethic, self-reliance, and love of people formed on the farm remained core to Jim throughout his life.

At 18, Jim voluntarily enlisted in the Navy with a close friend during the Korean War. Though his parents were sad to see him go, Jim felt a strong patriotic calling. He served four years at Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, supporting air surveillance, training, and fleet operations. The Navy offered many courses, and Jim became a skilled butcher, making him a popular figure on base by supplying meat. The East Coast was a new world to him, where he learned both how to stand his ground and how to negotiate with tough characters. On leave, he visited New York City or hitchhiked home. Jim always recalled his Navy service with reverence.

After returning home, Jim worked briefly on the farm before becoming a door-to-door salesman of household goods in the Ozarks of Missouri. He loved the hospitality of the people and joined Shawnee Lodge in Warsaw, becoming a Master Mason for more than 60 years. In the late 1950s, he returned home to learn the restaurant and tavern business and take over The Cove in Andalusia. After selling The Cove, he owned and operated Peaches & Cream Tavern in Rock Island for several years. He expanded the business before selling it and becoming a real estate agent, later a broker, working for his mentor, the fabled broker Bud Hill.

Facing a terminal illness, Mr. Hill strongly encouraged Jim to open Weir Realty, which Jim operated in Moline and Davenport for more than 30 years. Jim sold farms and commercial properties while managing a team focused on residential sales. Weir Realty became a leading local firm focused on service and professionalism, branded as REALPRO, even overcoming a trademark challenge by the National Association of Realtors.

Jim introduced quality, more affordable housing to the Quad Cities as the nation’s number-one Wausau Homes dealer for 15 years and later sold Wausau products in Africa and the Middle East. He expanded into auctioneering to sell farms, helped pioneer the expansion of John Deere Road and the Quad City Airport while working with the City of Moline, and led early modernization efforts within the Rock Island County Board of Realtors. He also organized numerous real estate syndicates, acquired farms, developed office buildings, and owned a local construction company. Jim became a trusted advisor to many prominent families and businesses while mentoring countless young professionals. He was recognized with numerous professional achievements including the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation. Most recently, he served as a senior broker with Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate.

Jim credited much of his success to his wife, Pat, the love of his life, partner, and unwavering supporter. Together for nearly 65 years, they were a team personally and professionally. Pat was also a Realtor and later managed office and multi-family properties with Jim, treating tenants like family. They shared a wide circle of family and friends who were deeply important to them.

Jim and Pat were active members of Short Hills Country Club for more than 35 years and members of The Elks. Jim was also active in the Rock Island Conservation Club and Ducks Unlimited. They were regulars at many local establishments over the years, including the Croatian Club, The Captain’s Table, Hafner’s, Miss Mamie’s, Duck City, Frank’s Pizza, The Plantation, El Rancho, Harold’s on the Rock, and Marando’s Supper Club. Socially active in the community for decades, they loved spending time with friends. They also enjoyed travel and, in the past 20 years, spent winters at their second home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Survivors include his sons, J.D. (Krista) Weir of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Ben (Danie) Weir of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren James and Grace (J.D.) and Brennan and Davis (Ben); sister-in-law Beverly Hart of Scottsdale, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife (Pat), parents, James E. (Jimmy) and Edna Boyle Weir; his brother, John Weir of Andalusia, Illinois; and his sister, Janet Lazzara of Los Alamitos, California.

Visitation will be held at Van Hoe Funeral Home, 1500 6th Street, East Moline, Illinois, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, 3209 60th Street, Moline, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, followed by a luncheon in the church cultural center for all attendees. Following the luncheon, a short graveside interment with military honors will be held at Drury Township Cemetery in Illinois City, Illinois, a peaceful country cemetery near the Weir family farm and where other family members are laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone who knew Jim share a written memory, which may be left at the funeral home, church, or online. Memorials may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church in Moline.