New Elder “Introduction” – Jim Weathers
Jim grew up in Oklahoma City, while Anita was raised in Topeka, where she was baptized at the age of 15. They met at York College, where Jim was baptized, then they married a few years later as they completed their degrees at Oklahoma Christian University. After Jim finished his graduate studies in engineering at Oklahoma State University, they moved to Corpus Christi, where they were involved in teaching and young couples’ ministries.
In 1998, Jim and Anita moved to Wichita, became Northside members, and quickly got involved in various areas of education. Anita has dedicated herself to children’s education, focusing on curriculum development and teaching. She now serves as the Children’s Education Coordinator and oversees the Northside BLAST (Bible Learning And Service Training) program during the summer, which encourages and equips children to train and serve. Jim is a regular teacher in the adult classes and occasionally substitutes as a preacher. He spent several years leading Children’s Training Hour, has previously served as a deacon, and even directed Teen Camp for a couple of years when Northside was searching for a new youth minister.
While their children were young, Anita stayed at home and continued her education. She is now an Academic Language Therapist, working with children with dyslexia and other learning disorders. Jim started his career as an engineer in the petrochemical industry before transitioning to various company oversight roles. He currently works as a consultant and temporary executive, facilitating company turnarounds and providing occasional litigation support.
Jim and Anita have been married for 38 years and have two sons, both active in the Lord’s church. Their oldest, Brenden, his wife, Cara, and grandson, Jamie, are Northside members and have been involved in college ministries and teaching children and adults. Brady recently graduated from West Point, was commissioned, and is completing Army aviation training in Alabama and is often found teaching and leading singing.