Arizona-2024-SCR1046-Enrolled

Senate Engrossed

Jim Weiers; death resolution

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2024

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1046

A Concurrent Resolution

on the death of the honorable james p. weiers.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

The Honorable James P. Weiers, longtime House and Senate member and Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, passed away quietly on April 19, 2024.

Born on September 8, 1953, and raised in Deadwood, South Dakota, Jim moved with his family in 1965 to Arizona, where he met and married his wife, Gina. The young couple moved to Texas for a short time before returning to Arizona, where he established numerous small businesses. It was his experiences as a small business owner that resulted in one of his lifelong missions to protect small businesses from intrusive and overly burdensome regulation. Jim and Gina became respected members of the Phoenix community where they raised their four children.

Jim Weiers eventually found his way into politics and was first elected to the Arizona House of Representatives on the wave of the Republican Revolution in 1994. Among his many accomplishments, Representative Weiers served the House as vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee, chairman of the Rules Committee and Majority Whip before being elected by his peers as Speaker, from 2001-2002 and again from 2005-2009. He served one term in the Senate, but his heart was always drawn to the fast-paced and adventurous atmosphere of the House.

Speaker Weiers enjoyed Rock, Paper, Scissors, and he engaged in lively debate with a certain university president over whether "Gladiator" or "Terminator" was the all time best movie. His most memorable event was meeting Justice Clarence Thomas to hear firsthand this American hero's journey to the United States Supreme Court. Speaker Weiers' introduction to President George W. Bush resulted in the infamous observation from the POTUS; "Weiers? (in a heavy Texas drawl). "Yes, sir." "Speaker Weiers?" "Yes, sir." "Speaker Weiers" with a hand gesture resembling plugging something in. "Yes sir." "Speaker Weiers! Heh heh."

Speaker Weiers' enthusiasm for discussing issues with constituents dubbed him the absolute slowest signature gatherer. He had a standing rule with staff when briefing him, 15 words or less and no time for explanations.

A strong voice for common sense and reason, Speaker Weiers was a tireless advocate for small businesses, school choice and public safety, and he proved himself to be a pragmatic and dedicated leader before he termed out of office in 2013. He oversaw the bipartisan effort to close the legislature in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and worked diligently to make the legislative process more accessible to Arizona's citizens by establishing legislative television. Representative Weiers' tremendous record of public service was marked by perseverance, dedication, friendliness and capable leadership, and he earned the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of working with him over the years.

Despite the demands of his business endeavors and public service, Jim Weiers was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was a regular attendee of the Northwest Church of Christ and enjoyed working on vintage cars, including his 1972 VW Bug, and entertaining large gatherings at his home. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Gina, his four children, Jenee, Jason, Jana and Jared, his twelve grandchildren, his brother, his four sisters and his stepmother.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature express sincere regret at the passing of their friend and colleague, the Honorable Jim Weiers, and extend their deepest condolences to his family and many friends.