James "Jim" W. Hewell

James Hewell, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family on January 15, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. Jim was born in Dayton, OH on November 25, 1944, to Mary and Walter Hewell. Jim is preceded in death, most recently by his beloved wife Margaret, who passed away January 2022, and by his mother, Mary and father, Walter Hewell. After graduating high school in Union, OH, Jim joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country, on Naval supply ships before returning to attend University of Dayton. His tours during Vietnam allowed him to experience many distant lands and to form lifelong bonds with fellow military buddies, especially his buddy Zas who nicknamed Jim 'Sugar Bear'. From being in Zas and Nancy's wedding to long phone chats, their staying in touch & sharing stories of kids and grandkids lives have brought joy and companionship, valued especially in this last year. After the military, Jim joined Marriott, serving on the Executive Committee as Comptroller. His career brought many adventures and moves from Dallas, TX, to Tampa, Fl, to Nashville, TN to Atlanta, GA and back to Franklin, TN where Jim wrapped up his hospitality career. Jim described ...[more]

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sense of "love at first sight", upon meeting Margaret as she interviewed for a position with the Marriott. Jim quickly decided to propose.... Which led to a 42 year love-filled marriage, fully supported by Margaret's four teenage daughters, ranging in age from 11-19 years at the time. Transferring to Tampa, FL, Jim embraced the role of dedicated Dad, and at only 35 years of age, reveled in his role of joining into a life with four daughters! He taught and shared tirelessly to coach & cultivate good drivers, real-world adults and considerate beings in his daughters. Jim also always provided a dedicated and loving ear of reason & compassion. Jim's hobbies during this time included family driving vacations to Marco Island, motor boating and water skiing. Career progression took the family to Nashville, TN where they lived in Brentwood for many years. Jim wanted the"Girls" to have stability & establish roots, completing high school and college. This was a magical time, for all, with the chance to really settle in. A warm, inviting home ensured Jim spent his free time boating, cycling, and enjoying friendships with neighbors. Jim also converted to Catholicism, joining Margaret in her strong faith and together they enjoyed meaningful friendships through a Marriage Encounter Group. The "Girls" grew up, moved west to begin their lives, with frequent visits both directions, so the pull was there. While he attended a conference at the Camelback Inn in the early 80s, Jim became enchanted with Arizona and the Sonoran Desert, always having in the back of his mind that he would like to live here. In 2004, Jim & Margaret realized Jim's long-time dream and moved "out west" to be nearer to the "Girls" as Jim always referred, and the 5 beloved grandchildren who were growing up fast. He learned to cook, even attending a class with Jackie and sharing Instapot recipes with Linda. Jim loved spending time with his grandsons, granddaughter & daughters more than anything else, and relished the quality time that they had together... Holidays all together and individual quality visits and outings were shared between Arizona and California. Jim loved life & the desert... and would go on full day adventures, in his Jeep Renegade, with friends, daughters, son-in-laws, and grandkids, excited to share with anyone who would enjoy... but most especially the Grands! Favorites were Crown King and Horseshoe Dam by Bartlett Lake. In late November Jim enjoyed a day fishing on Bartlett Lake, with his son-in-law, Tom. They really bonded in the 6 years sharing a friendship. Jim was deeply loved, and so loved his family. He enjoyed attending graduations and was able to share frequent visits with all grandkids and see them mature & realize their dreams. Grateful for Ryan and Satinder driving down last Christmas to visit on what was Jim and Margie's last Christmas, to Sam visiting often, even by himself as a young teen, in the summer. Shooting, jeeping and playing cards, and attending movies with Jim and Margie. Having Nathan attend College in Prescott, so nearby allowed for frequent and meaningful visits and celebrations, even during the rough few years with the pandemic. Hanna made special dedicated visits on 12th and 16th birthdays, and also last early January, learning to make a family treat with Nana and Grandpa to carry on tradition. Ben was able to spend significant time watching football and basketball with Grandpa, staying with him as he was interviewing for and beginning his career and moving to Austin, TX. Jim lived his life celebrating and celebrated by his loving family. A member of Our Lady of Joy Catholic of Joy Roman Catholic Church in Carefree for 18 years, Jim served as a Knight. Jim also volunteered with Foothills Food bank in Cave Creek for 12 years, which brought him great joy. Jim enjoyed frequent Ben Avery Shooting outings with his buddy Roy. The last few years shifted into new interests, with weekly virtual Bananagrams games with Margaret and Jackie, frequent shared meals, which definitely included watching the Cardinal football games, Chair yoga classes, and Qi Gong. He was always game to try new things. A dedicated husband, Jim assisted Margaret, especially in the last 3 years of her life as driver, cook, and so much more. Extremely social and interested in others, Jim was an absolute "Stand-up" man, solid and down to earth, quick with a smile and a joke to brighten the days of all! The legacy and love for all will continue in his family so greatly influenced by his bright light. He has been summoned to live in peaceful eternity and is reunited in love and light with his Punkie, Margaret. He will be missed. Jim is survived by Daughters Beverly, Jackie, (Tom) Donna, and Linda (Tom), Grandsons, Ryan (Satinder), Sam, Nathan, and Granddaughter, Hanna, Grandson, Ben and his beloved dog and constant companion, Missy. Note: The Graveside Service For Family Only, Hansen Memorial Cemetery, (6500 E. Bell Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85254) will be Set with seating for immediate family of 12, for Friday February 10 at 2:00 p.m. "Standing room only" and an outdoor service, held here, at Hansen Memorial Cemetery where he will join Margaret after cremation under the shade of "their shade tree." Services: The family plans to video the service, and will post to the site afterward. Jim will be buried with Military Honors including the flag, folding and Taps played. Presiding will be Deacon Jim, a dear and long-time friend of Jim's. (Jim would be glad to know that Superbowl weekend is the time of family and friends gathering to reminisce and celebrate his life, and also grieve his passing.). Unfortunately, between the Waste Management/Phoenix Open, and the fact that the Superbowl happens in AZ this year, the area will be congested and a Chapel Service will NOT be held. ) Celebration of Life: Jim's Request is being honored, with a Mexican Fiesta Celebration to be held the same afternoon, February 10th.... 4:30 p.m. -7:00. By the sunset should be amazing. This will be held at a private residence with Food Truck and Mariachis. Family will be providing information to friends and associates, Invitation and extensions only. Should you have any interest or questions, reach out to any known family member or to "Jim". Thank you for your patience in this, the family was really caught off guard, with beloved Jim's passing, so quickly it seemed, and so soon after Margaret. In lieu of flowers, Jim would greatly appreciate any love for him and family to be shared in the form of Donations: Please Visit www.foothillsfoodbank.com&c=E,1,9PcL9Uq_Y1OIOZHDQouO8xBiSSBmhJ-mGoW3mHamVd_6GtUAPullfZkr9ZbbY7ZBKomJ2TgfO6P06kTvIks1oD1CrvMREfFup2l_xC0CfvEIqWVTeBE05rM,&typo=1," target="_blank">https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/urla=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foothillsfoodbank.com&c=E,1,9PcL9Uq_Y1OIOZHDQouO8xBiSSBmhJ-mGoW3mHamVd_6GtUAPullfZkr9ZbbY7ZBKomJ2TgfO6P06kTvIks1oD1CrvMREfFup2l_xC0CfvEIqWVTeBE05rM,&typo=1, reference In Memory of Jim Hewell Donations can also be made to Veterans Administration or any Veterans or other organization of your choice. Thank you. Please Upload any Tribute or Photos on this site to share with your memories of Jim.