Chelsea, Vt. —
He was born Oct. 22, 1942, in Randolph, Vt., the son of Henry and Ruth (Harris) Hewitt. He grew up in Tunbridge and attended schools in Tunbridge and Chelsea, joining the workforce at the age of 17.
On Oct. 23, 1965, Jim married Shirley Luce. They made their home in Chelsea for 52 years.
He worked various jobs which included working on Interstate 89, Wilson Tire Co. and eventually became a truck driver for Dwight McCullough and Larry Pickett both of Chelsea. Jim later became a custodian at the Chelsea School where he worked for 13 years. After leaving the school, Jim worked as a caretaker for Frank and Anne Easton at Garden Hill Farm in Corinth. He took great pride in maintaining their property as well as their companionship. He retired in 2008. During his retirement, he kept busy with his tire changing business, spent numerous hours mowing the lawn, snowplowing, and delivering senior meals.
Jim loved to cook. Spanish rice and chili were some of his favorites, while preparing some of his infamous pickled eggs. He loved owning and driving ‘57 Chevy’s, dancing, Jeeping on back country roads, playing horseshoes, watching football, cheering on his sons and the Chelsea Bat Company from centerfield and most of all, watching his beloved Red Sox team from his recliner in the garage. He had a love/hate relationship with the Red Sox based on their performance during the season.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Hewitt of Chelsea; two sons, James Hewitt II and his wife, Jenny of South Royalton, Chad Hewitt of Barre; four grandchildren, Jocelyn, Madison, Cooper and Jacob; two sisters, Judy Campbell of Northfield and Sandra Race and her husband, John of East Randolph; a brother, Tom, and his wife, Barb of Sharon; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Beverly Wood.
Funeral services will be celebrated at the United Church of Chelsea in Chelsea on Friday, March 30 at 3 p.m. There are no public calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Roberts-Gould Athletic Field Fund, c/o Will Gilman, PO Box 295, Chelsea, VT 05038.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com. The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, Chelsea is in charge of arrangements.