Evans Funeral Home
314 E Main St
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419-668-1469
Website: http://www.norwalkfuneral.com/obituaries.php
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James L. Weinert, age 58, of Collins, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at his residence. He was born September 2, 1953 in Norwalk, Ohio to Carl Weinert and Muriel Locke.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie (Springer) Weinert and his three sons: Matthew and Wesley of Collins and Jimmy (Kris) Weinert of Norwalk; and three grandchildren, Jordan, Logan and Braydan. He is also survived by his Mother, Murial (Locke) Richards and Step-Father Carl Richards; siblings John, Gail, Brenda, and David; and in-laws Cathy "Grammy" and Fred "Grampy" Springer. His extended family include "adopted sons" Bobby Jr. and Dom Lagana of Scarsdale, NY and "Papa" Bill and "Grama" Deb Bader of Norwalk.
Jim worked as a law enforcement officer in Berlin Heights and Monroeville, but his real career began in 1980 at then, Norwalk Raceway Park. He started by working events at NRP on a part time basis then assuming the role of Track Services and Safety Director, evolving ultimately into Facility Manager of the entire raceway. "Big Jim" earned the respect of racers, track operators and officials for running a safe, efficient and error free program. With Big Jim at the helm, racer attendance and the legend of Norwalk Raceway steadily grew.
In 1998 Bill Bader Sr. took Big Jim with him when he purchased the IHRA. Jim's talents were an integral part of IHRA's success where he served as Director of Safety and Field Operations as well. He was also a Track Surface Consultant for PJ1 traction compound. Jim's legend continued to grow, this time on a national level. Throughout all his years in racing, Jim was also admired as a ‘family man' - working side by side with his wife and children at Norwalk Raceway Park and beyond. His generosity and ‘bottom-line' approach to issues were his hallmarks. Direct and to the point, folks always knew where they stood with Jim. A racer preparing for a 300mph pass would look through the visor of his helmet waiting for "the nod" that everything was okay... knowing his life was in Jim's hands. Big Jim, rest in peace...
Friends may call Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Evans Funeral Home, 314 East Main Street, Norwalk, OH. Everyone is invited to attend the service on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. The ceremony will be held outdoors. In honor of Big Jim, the family has requested that friends ‘dress like they are attending a drag race.' Please enter the park through the Route 601 entrance.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be sent to Jim's sons at 4831 Hartland Center Rd, Collins, OH 44826.
Condolences may be shared at norwalkfuneral.com.
