October 6, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
James O. Weflen, 56, former Western regional manager for the Copper Development Association, died unexpectedly September 26, in Encinitas, California.
Weflen managed CDA's 13-state western region where he was responsible for securing and expanding the markets for commercial and plumbing tube and fittings. His responsibilities included educating architects, engineers, mechanics, contractors, builders, inspectors and others in the design, use and installation of copper and copper alloy products, as well as recommending product alterations and innovations aimed at increasing total copper markets.
He participated in regional environmental and government relation activities and represented CDA and the copper industry on numerous committees in the San Francisco Bay area. He represented the copper industry in helping the development of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, where his success in this endeavor was formally recognized in 2003 when he was awarded the IAPMO American Flag Award.
Weflen was also an educator, regularly teaching trade skills to contractors throughout the western states and at the annual college conducted by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry.
Before joining CDA in 1995, Weflen operated a plumbing contracting business for five years in Southern California. Previously, he spent 15 years as general manager of one of California's largest plumbing contractors. A licensed Master Plumber, Weflen served as a director of the Advisory Board for the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors apprenticeship program in Orange County, California. He held a business degree from Fullerton College.
Jim is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Cathy Weflen. A memorial service was held at the McCauley & Wallace Funeral Home in Fullerton, Calif., on September 30. A burial service will take place at the Clara City Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City, Minn., on October 14 at 10:30 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made on the Orange County Register website.
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