James Gilbert Weatherholt, 76, of Newburgh, IN, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Father’s Day, surrounded by family.
James, also known as “Jim” or “Buddy” was born on October 29, 1949 to Gilbert and Elizabeth Weatherholt at his family home in Cloverport, Kentucky. He attended St. Rose school and church where he received his First Holy Communion and Sacrament of Confirmation. While growing up, he enjoyed all the family horses with his siblings, especially his Tennessee Walker horse named Snow. After graduating from St. Romuald Catholic School in 1967, he went on to obtain a Certificate of Completion from United Electronics Institute in Louisville, KY in 1969.
Buddy worked as an Electrical Engineer for Procter & Gamble for 25 years, traveling to locations such as Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and more. He then worked for Frucon Industrial Services in Cape Girardeau, MO. While living there, he also opened a wine store called, In the Wine Cellar, as he was a wine connoisseur and enjoyed interactions with the community and all the friends he made over the years.
In 2003, he moved to Slidell, LA to continue his work with Frucon until his retirement in 2013, in which he returned to Cape Girardeau, MO. Buddy was a dedicated employee and very proud of his work.
Buddy had many nicknames including “Turbo” for his love of Volkswagen and Corvettes, and the “Dog Whisperer” due to his beloved dog Wendy. He even loved dogsitting his granddogs, Sascha, Leyna, and Karina. He was very proud of all his grandchildren, especially supporting his grandson Rhett who has Down Syndrome and granddaughter Margaret who continued his deep passion for horses.
He is survived by his four children: Eric Weatherholt (Carly) of Fairborn, OH, Kelly Florian (George) of Newburgh, IN, Lee Ann Flener (Garet) of Bowling Green, KY, Paul David Stuart (Lauren) of St Louis, MO. He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Blake Weatherholt, Kenneth Florian, Amanda Kirn, Joe Florian, Elizabeth Seabaugh, Margaret Florian, Warren Flener, Rhett Flener, Brooks Flener, Henry Stuart, and two great-grandchildren, Rowan and Eowyn Kirn. He will be deeply missed by his siblings: Marie Rose, Bill Weatherholt (Candy), Shirley Emery (Pete), Aggie Weatherholt and Tommy Weatherholt (Theresa) and his 12 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews. He leaves behind Beverly Shelton, his friend and former spouse of 24 years.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-laws Jerry Rose and Don Alexander, and his nephew Todd Newby.
A memorial Mass will be held at St. Romuald Catholic Church in Hardinsburg KY to celebrate Buddy’s life on July 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Ashley Martin says
Dear Lee Ann,
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet Dad! Heaven gained another angel and my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time ! Let me know if you need anything.
Love,
Ashley and Justin Martin
Roberta Thompson says
I remember my very cute young cousin with the tousled blond hair and the mischievous streak! Whenever my family went to his home to visit, Buddy would love to torment me with his playful punches! I didn’t like it but what could I say! He was so adorable!
I remember when his father built the barn on the field by their home! I thought that was a wonderful addition and they could have horses!
Buddy embraced life with an amazing zest!
I’ll always remember Buddy as that amazing young boy!
Molly Fackler says
Buddy and I graduated from St Romuald High School many years ago. He was always a kind soul, had a dry sense of humor and was a real people person. In reading his obituary, I’m sure he loved his family and hope he had a fulfilled life. He will be missed.
Molly (Speaks) Fackler
Vanessa Butts and Family says
Prayers to the family. Keep the memories close.
Rick Fernandez says
My sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends. I worked with Jim during his years at Fru-Con in New Orleans at Folgers Coffee. He was a good person. I hope and pray he now has eternal rest.
Ron & Glenda Courtney says
Ron Courtney Says:
I worked with Jim in East New Orleans at the Folger Coffee Plants for several years. Jim was a very capable Engineer and Construction Manager. I always found him easy to work with and considered him to be a good friend as well as a good man. He was certainly proud of his family. We kept in touch after retirement and many of the conversations focused on family; especially Margaret and the horses. He will be missed.
Bob Doose says
My Condolences to family and friends of Jim. Jim was a significant part of my work family at Folgers and I & Folger Coffee benefited from knowing Jim and his work. Jim was extremely dedicated, capable and competent in his work. I am saddened that his retirement was too short. Thanks so much for sharing a bit more of his life here….. it’s wonderful to hear new bits and pieces about the human / personal side of our fellow workers. I pray for your comfort, peace and that your wonderful memories of Jim fill the void of his presence.