Natchitoches, LA Funeral Services will be celebrated at the Winnfield Funeral Home Chapel Saturday, Febuary 19, 2011 at 11:00 a. m. with burial following in the Jackson Square Cemetery. There will be no wake. Public visitation will be convened at the funeral home Saturday from 9:00 a. m. to service time. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 James Edward Weatherford was born on September 2, 1952 to the late Gertrude Weatherford and Overton Owens in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. He graduated from Central High School in 1970. James was baptized on July 28, 1968 at the age of 15 at First Baptist Church Amulet under the leadership of Rev H. B. Barnum. He united with St. Mary Baptist where he remained a faithful member until he left Natchitoches to pursue his education. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas in 1976. He was united in holy matrimony to Funda Oneida Tall on January 6, 1973. Together they raised three sons. James and his family chose to make Chicago, Illinois their home. There he was employed by several companies. He was an employee at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago until his health failed him and he retired. He was a member of Gospel Truth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wealthy L. Mobley, Sr. where he served faithfully as a deacon and choir member. After a long battle and a hard fight, James was called to rest February 14, 2011 at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA. James was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Alfred (Ju Ju), Weatherford on February 14, 2001 and Alfreds twin whom died at birth. He leaves to cherish his fond memories his wife Neida of 38 years; Three sons James Warren (Ashley B.)of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jason of Chicago and Jonnathan (Ashley) of Chicago; six siblings Linda W. Howard (Donald), Michael Weatherford (Martha), Vincent Weatherford, Gregory Weatherford (Stephanie), Jean Ester Owens Simmons, Randy Overton Owens (Joan); two God-sisters Jo Ann Shields and Jessie M. Bradley; one dear aunt, Ella Eagle Smith, four loving grandchildren Lakia, DeAsia, Jameyah, Jeremiah, five God-children John Sansing, Shundra Caldwell, Douglas Norris, Kristal Brown, and Darius Huntley, two close friends Deac. Andrew Pruitt and James Saunders, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deacon Edward Weatherford, please visit our floral store.