James Hewitt

James Edward Hewitt - to most of us he was "Jim," passed away at home in Mesa Arizona, on October 16, 2018 following a brief but brave battle with cancer. Jim was born September 9, 1937 in Colorado Springs Colorado and grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, graduating from Lakewood High School.



Jim was many things in his 81 years; a soldier, a miner, a law enforcement officer, a husband, father, grandfather and friend. Jim served in the U.S. Army as a tandem rotor helicopter mechanic from 1958 to 1961. He worked as a miner in Colorado and Wyoming before settling back in Clear Creek County, Colorado where he worked as a deputy for the local sheriff's department.



In October, 1986 he moved with his wife Ellen, to Circle City, Arizona and was soon working in a hardware store in Wickenburg, where he continued to work and to be a recognized feature of the establishment even after he'd "retired." In many respects, work was the constant, signifying subtext to Jim's life; he was a reliable hardworking provider in both good times and bad.



But of course it wasn't always about work. Jim was an avid fisherman - especially when he could return to his beloved Colorado to pull trout from local streams. He also loved boating, camping and water skiing. He must have logged a million miles or more exploring the desert on his quad, often accompanied by family and friends. When not fishing, exploring or tinkering around in the shop, Jim loved western movies and television shows; Bonanza and Gunsmoke were particular favorites.



Jim is survived by his wife of more than 50 years Ellen, his son Dane, daughters Dena (Charles) , Tina (John) , four brothers, Herb (Janice), Russell (Margie), Kenneth, Art and a sister, Helen, two grandchildren Jayme (Alex) , Jesse and many nieces and nephews.



Yes, our Jim certainly was many things but boring wasn't one of them. Jim had a quirky sense of humor and often as not enjoyed a laugh at his own expense as much as a laugh at the other fellow. Children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews gravitated to him, recognizing a kind soul in that special way kids seem to have. All who knew Jim will likely recall a special catch phrase or two that always came up in conversation and we'll miss that funny way he had of always seeming surprised to see you, even when the meeting was planned.