Robert James “Jim” McEwen Jr., 80, went to heaven on Dec. 15, 2022 at his home. He’d been our angel for many, many years, so in some ways, he made it official on that day.
He was the son of the late Robert James Sr. and Odessa McEwen and grew up in Hamlet. After college, he returned to Hamlet to raise his girls, and worked on the railroad with many lifelong friends until retirement.
A patient teacher by nature, if not by trade, many of us learned a love of God, family, music, history, the land, the gardens, and the kitchen from him. His greatest teachings were by example. Jim had a servant’s heart and a compassionate spirit throughout his life and his kindness and thoughtfulness was felt by everyone he met.
He had a special gift of generosity, feeding everyone he knew. The pounds of perfect homemade BBQ he prepared and served with love to family and friends over his years — unimaginable. There was always plenty and another seat at the table was always ready. His sharp wit and quick humor was the stuff of legend and even in the darkest of days, he could make us smile.
He will be lovingly remembered and celebrated by his family and his friends for all of our days, until we see him again.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert James Jr. and Odessa McEwen; mother-in-law, Helen Tucker; sisters, Kathryn Furr and husband, Roy, Barbara Proctor and husband, Henry, and Anne Tarbox; and brother-in-law, Lawrence McLean.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Tucker McEwen of the home; children, Suzanne McEwen of Greensboro, Katie McEwen-Ingram (Patrick) of Summerville, South Carolina, Chris Mercer of Hamlet, and Jon Mercer (Allison) of Stone Mountain, Georgia; father-in-law, Harvey Tucker of Kannapolis; sisters, Lenna McLean of Southern Pines, Rosalind McEwen of Laurel, Maryland, and Beth Etheridge (Steve) of Aiken, South Carolina; brothers-in-law, Mike Tucker (Pam) of Rockwell, Greg Tucker of Kannapolis, and Joe Tarbox of Laurel, Maryland; and grandchildren, Jacob Marshburn, Madi Marshburn, Aidyn Marshburn, Jenna Slater, Carter Slater, Vincent Mercer and Sophia Mercer.
Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 7, 2022 from 10-11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, Hamlet. The Celebration of Life service will begin immediately following the visitation at 11 a.m. with Pastor Chris Hawks officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice Haven, 1119 N. US Highway 1, Rockingham, NC 28379; or Alzheimer’s Association- Western Chapter, 4600 Park Road, Ste. 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the McEwen family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
