James Matthew Weller, age 94, passed away at Metairie, LA on Monday, June 19, 2017. Beloved husband of the late Josephine Hermine Weller. He was a retired heavy equipment operator for Paul E. Riviere Inc. for 42 years. He was the recipient of ETO Service medal with seven battle stars and two D-Day Arrowheads. His unit received the President’s Unit Citation for D-Day Normandy, France Beach Head (Omaha Red). The 62nd Armored Field Artillery was the first U.S. Army unit to fire on Normandy Beachhead. He was the recent recipient of the French Legion of Honor Medal for his participation in World War II, which included three amphibious assaults, seven campaigns, including the Battle of the Bulge, serving under Gen. George W. Patton.
He was a two day a week volunteer at the World War II Museum for the past 17 years and spent numerous hours on the rebuilding of the P.T. 305. He was a member of Ionic Lodge #374, F & AM, Scottish Rite, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6640 of Metairie, and the New Orleans Photographic Society, Good Ole Metry Boys and the New Orleans Rose Society.
A special thanks to his caregiver, Stella Keller.
Relatives and friends areinvited to attend funeral services from the Metairie home of THARP-SONTHEIMER-THARP, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. at 43rd Street on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Jack Boudreaux officiating. Interment in Lakelawn Park Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com.