Known as a businessman, entrepreneur, community leader and family man, James A. Webb Sr. passed away Thursday at the age of 68.
Webb, who most recently was publisher and owner of the Webb Weekly publication based in South Williamsport, was remembered by family as a person who wasn't afraid to accept challenges and take risks in life.
After working at the Sun-Gazette in the circulation department and mail room during his college years in the mid-1960s, Webb later went on to own several businesses, including McCormick Trucking Lines in 1984. He purchased the former Grit printing facility on Maynard Street in 1992 and started the Webb Weekly in 2003.
It was at the Maynard Street business where Webb printed the Sunday Grit and operated a commercial printing business.
In addition to his business ventures, Webb was deeply involved in the community, serving on boards of directors, coaching and supporting athletics and serving as an officer and volunteer with local fire and emergency services organizations.
While business was one of his passions, so was adventure and excitement. Webb raced in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona with Dale Earnhardt. He also owned and flew a plane.
"He was a very take-charge man," said is wife Carol. "He was a self-made person that believed in goals. One of the quotes he said was 'if you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late; and if you're late, you're out the door.' That summed up his work ethic."
In his columns in the Webb Weekly, James often referenced his motor home trips he and Carol took. The couple visited most of the states in the country and traveled abroad.
"He really enjoyed all the trips that we took," Carol said. "It was a fun thing with Jim because we traveled not with the tour. We went to places off the back roads where you wouldn't necessarily see things with the group."
Wed for 29 years, Carol said her husband supported the community in many ways and was dedicated to his family and friends.
"He was driven. I think anyone who knew him would know that," she said.
