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BORN
1934
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
James Ewing Obituary
James G. Ewing, of Fairfield, passed away Monday, January 30, 2023. Born July 25, 1934 in Waterbury, CT to the Rev. Rolland G. Ewing and Helen Smith Ewing, he lived in Woodbury, New Milford, Torrington, Kenmore, NY, and Fairfield. Jim graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1952 and Brown University in 1956 where he played basketball. He pursued a 6th year degree in education and other graduate work at Yale University, University of Bridgeport, and the University of Connecticut; and was a John Hay Fellow at Northwestern University from 1963-1964.
Jim taught history and the social studies at Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield for nine years, starting in the fall of 1957; at Kenmore East High School, Kenmore, NY from 1967-1968 and Stratford High School from 1968-1995. He served as Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Bridgeport for 20 years, Sacred Heart University for two years, and Sacred Heart Academy, Stamford, for five and a half years. He also substituted in the Fairfield Public Schools for several years and taught courses in the American Presidency and related topics at the Fairfield Senior Center for several years. He also served as a consultant for the Fairfield Public Schools, social studies curriculum revisions, grades 6 through 12, for three and a half years.
Jim served as Stratford Education President for two and a half years, led the Stratford High School accreditation team twice, was very active in the Connecticut Education Association and the National Education Association; member of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education Board of Examiners and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Evaluation Teams, Past President and member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Consortium for Law and Citizenship Education and served as a Judge for the National "We the People" competition in Washington, DC, as well as the state competition in Hartford, CT.
Since childhood he has been drawing cartoons, and sold some professionally over the years. After working summers for various local landscapers, he started his own small business. He and his wife spent many quiet days at Penfield Beach, and vacationed on Nantucket for over thirty years. More recently, he spent many hours reading books in his personal extensive library collection. He was always an avid sports fan, and enjoyed being with his many friends at The Horseshoe in Southport, which he frequented since 1958.
Jim is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Judith Eddy Ewing, formerly of Glens Falls, NY, his sister-in-law Virginia Eddy Combs and her husband Richard A. Combs of Queensbury, NY, and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Eddy Brown of Canandaigua, NY, and eight nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Martha Ewing Fountain and her husband, Joseph W. Fountain, Torrington, CT.
Funeral Services will be held privately. To offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearfuneralHome.com
Memories and Condolences
for James Ewing
Sponsored by Spear-Miller Funeral Home.
54 Entries
Vladimir Lumelsky
September 9, 2024
Mr. Ewing was my Freshman and Junior Honors history teacher. I recall he said he served in the Navy and was onboard a destroyer that was ordered to steam towards the Korean peninsula at the outbreak of that war. Another recollection is that he would jokingly refer to his wife as "Fang."
--Vladimir Lumelsky, SHS Class of 1995
Marc
May 3, 2024
Mr. Ewing was one of the best teachers I ever had at Stratford High. am just seeing this. He was a great mentor to me.
Phyllis Prager
December 5, 2023
Over the years when the relationship between the U.S. and China was mentioned in the news, I thought of Jim. I was a student of his in the late 50´s at Roger Ludlowe High School where my father, Roger Warner, was headmaster and he was a brand new teacher.
Jim always said that rather than worrying about Russia, we should worry more about China. How prescient he was. Today I thought of Jim again and upon googling him I saw the sad news that he had passed away almost a year ago. He was a great teacher and lovely human being. My condolences to his family.
Phyllis Prager
Paul Charney
October 31, 2023
I was inspired by Jim to go on and study history. He was always a great teacher, serious with a good sense of humor. I also enjoyed working in his landscaping business.
Todd K Fowler
October 30, 2023
It is truly amazing how much one person can be such an influence on another. I had Mr. Ewing for two history classes, over 38 years ago, at Stratford High School. Like so many others have attested to, history was but a small part of what I learned from him. I also learned the importance of hard work, commitment and honesty in everything I do. To this day I find myself asking, " Would Mr. Ewing give me a good grade for this or draw a big shovel at the top of my paper?" ( former students, you know what I´m talking about).
He taught me to always strive to be a better man today, than I was yesterday.
Rest easy, my teacher, my friend, until we meet again. I am more for knowing you, we are less for having lost you.
John Richard Novak
June 27, 2023
He was my mentor at Roger Ludlowe, my senior
year. Always saw him in Southport after my
Army Reserve meeting, Encouraged many a student to go to college and achieve. Never
finished my doctorate but taught a little high school in Weston and at Boston College and Boston University. Rest in Peace, you did a
great job.
John Richard Nowak
Janet Mandrona Lemond
February 23, 2023
I am saddened to hear of the passing of such a great teacher. Mr Ewing not only taught history but taught us how to think. He was my instructor from 1973 to 1974. I will always remember his passion for teaching and his humor. Rest in peace my friend. Sincerely Janet Mandrona Lemond
Fern Tausig
February 18, 2023
I´m so glad I got to see you and Jim at Swanny´s birthday last year. He was such a dear, sweet, creative and talented person. I´m honored to call him a colleague and a friend. His life was truly a blessing!
Greg Mizera, SHS Class of 1976
February 14, 2023
Mr. Ewing, you were an excellent and inspiring teacher. I always looked forward to your American history class; it was a highlight of my school day at Stratford High. You taught us with skill, knowledge, and passion, and we caught your passion. You treated us like adults, even when we didn't deserve it. You had a great influence on me and on many other people. My condolences to your family. RIP.
Ken Malchisky
February 12, 2023
So sorry for your loss he was a great person and teacher class of 1977
John Walker
February 10, 2023
Dear Judy,
Ruth and I send your our condolences on Jim's passing.
Jim and I became friends over 20years ago on a Sunday afternoon at the Horeshoe Cafe discussing Jacobean Scottish History. The friendship blossomed and quickly broadened to World History, Politics, Jokes, and Basketball.
one of the smartest decisions I made was to take one of Jim's Lifelong Learner classes on "US Presidents". The class was amazing in the scope of the subject and Jim's dexterity and flexibility to accommodate his very diverse audience.
This experience immediately led to Ruth joining me for all of Jim's subsequent courses.
I will always value Jim's friendship at the Shoe and his fantastic skills in the classroom.
John
John Moran
February 8, 2023
Sorry to learn about Jim's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jim in the Social Studies Department at SHS for twenty-seven years. He was an outstanding teacher, a promoter of objectivity, and a great sense of humor. Rest in peace Jim, and may God bless and comfort you Judith and family.
John Moran
Donna Canapetti Robinson
February 8, 2023
So sorry to hear of Mr. Ewing's passing. He was wonderful teacher. Very tough, yet extremely fair. Truly one of a kind. He sparked my interest of history in all things. He cared and you knew it. I fondly remember the cartoons he'd write on the blackboard or the last page of a test. He was a very positive influence during my high school years. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Donna Marsala
February 7, 2023
Sorry for your loss our condolences
Nancy Michaels
February 7, 2023
I was sad to read of Mr. Ewing´s passing. He was a wonderful teacher and gave me my love of history to this day! Rest in Peace and condolences to your family!
Robert Gondor
February 7, 2023
I would say Mr.Ewing was probably the best teacher I ever had in any subject K through college.
Marc Cehovsky
February 7, 2023
Let´s be honest, there are only a few moments in your life when you truly have the ability to say that you saw a great man. All of us reading and commenting here can actually state you met and knew one. I had the pleasure to know Mr. Ewing as my: high school teacher, trusted mentor, boss, Penfield Beach coffee companion for several years, and inspiration to drive my career forward the past 30 years. His gravitas, kindness, and quality was unmatched. The man had more wit, style, and substance than a few civilizations we could name. Jim Ewing will remain an inspiration to us all. Rest well.
Rhonda M Chatlos
February 6, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ewing was one of the hardest yet the best teacher. He always made sure that we understood what he was teaching even if it was after class. He cared about the knowledge that his students learned from him. He will be sadly missed.
Dottie Bengoian
February 6, 2023
Dear Judy,
I´m sad to hear of the loss of your beloved husband. He leaves quite a legacy. Prayers, Dottie Bengoian
Jen Sorensen
February 6, 2023
I was fortunate to be in Mr. Ewing's class for two years at SHS, and I was proud to campaign for him when he ran for office in the CT Education Association. He was a top-notch teacher, sharing lifelong learning skills like the SQ3R reading method that I still recall over 35 years later. Even better, Mr. Ewing was a compassionate and caring person. My condolences to his family.
Milton Jacoby
February 6, 2023
Dear Judy,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. Jim was a wonderful colleague and a caring teacher. May he rest in peace.
Charles Flynn
February 6, 2023
Jim was an incredible mentor in my first years as a Social Studies teacher in Fairfield, helping overcome the intimidating task of having no curriculum or textbook as a rookie. His keen intellect, professionalism and kind nature were a welcome presence in forming my early years as a teacher. I am very thankful for his tremendous influence and that he dedicated his substantial talents to education in Connecticut. He will be missed by many and leaves of lasting legacy of tremendous academic leadership coupled with great compassion. May he rest in peace.
Raymond Massey
February 6, 2023
RIP good sir, I loved being in your classes at Stratford High School. Class of 1977. You made history fun and adventurous.
Richard Dorset
February 5, 2023
Mr Ewing was a challenging and dynamic teacher to me in 11th grade AP History at Stratford High School. It´s hard to believe that was nearly 50 years ago. I credit him for my ongoing love of History. He had a distinctive presence that set him apart in a very positive way from the many teachers I´ve had. Rest in peace Mr Ewing.
Christy Benway
February 5, 2023
Mr. Ewing was an unforgettable teacher - one whose name and character I can instantly recall when thinking of my SHS days. Over the course if his lengthy career, I'm sire he inspired hundreds, if not thousands, of young lives. What a beautiful legacy.
Michael D. Blackwell
February 5, 2023
Great teacher and very nice person! He was interested in the lives of his students. Gave good advice on career development. Signed my Stratford High School yearbook and drew a self-portrait. Three other siblings of mine had him for a teacher!
My condolences to his wife, family, relatives and friends.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
February 5, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Roxanne Paradiso Babian
February 4, 2023
What a wonderful and inspiring teacher!
I had Mr. Ewing for World History at Stratford High in the late 1970s. I can still remember our term paper assignment "The Seeds of World War ll Were Sown in the Treaties that Ended World War l."
To the family, I hope you are comforted in knowing the positive effect Mr. Ewing had on generations of his students. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Michelle L Farr
February 4, 2023
Mr Ewing was a caring and respectful person and teacher. His compassion for social justice and trailblazing teaching of history was an inspiration for his students.
Condolences to the family.
God Bless,
Michelle L Farr SHS 1975
Wendy Simon
February 4, 2023
Mr. Ewing inspired my love of history. I try to pass on that same love of history to my students. He was an amazing teacher and had a great influence on many.
Dick Skudlarek
February 4, 2023
He was the only teacher that saw through my blarney on an essay, and I'd always admired him for that! He was a great teacher at Ludlowe in my Class of '62. R.I.P, Jim.
David Keuck
February 4, 2023
Rest in peace, Mr Ewing.
He was my absolute favorite teacher. A role model. He taught me how to organize and make notes. He made us laugh and made history real. I'll never forget him or his enormous keychain
I never got the chance to ask him, but he must've known, when he left the room during tests, that we helped each other and that we knew he was coming back. He was too smart not to.
Mark Moral SHS 71
February 3, 2023
Thank you for a wonderful high school education. Condolences to his family.
Dana (Bershefsky) Pabst
February 3, 2023
Mr. Ewing was by far one of my most influential and memorable teachers (SHS Class of `96). I have told my daughters about the impact he had on me in high school. My sincerest condolences to his family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Richard J.Caramanica
February 3, 2023
Mr. Ewing sincerely cared about his students , when I didn´t make the basketball team due mostly to behavioral issues , he took the time to mentor me. I was flunking his class as well as others, he gave me extra work in order to pass his class , he encouraged me to go to summer school. Put together an off season workout program , list of books to read, and emphasized the importance of education and not giving up on my dreams.
He was the reason I graduated High School, without him I don´t graduate, I don´t go on to play college basketball. I don´t graduate from college, don´t have a CBA professional tryout, I don´t help coach my alma mater to two state championships and follow in his footsteps in inspiring other young men / women to strive to be all they can be and not give up. No books will be written about him but to me and to all the lives he touched his Love and Committment will forever be written in our hearts. Gratitude Mr Ewing for believing in me/us. Richard J. Caramanica
My condolences to his family. Thanks for sharing him with all of us .
Gary Nichols
February 3, 2023
Judy , I'am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing . we had some good times.
Joseph Verderame
February 3, 2023
One of my favorites at SHS. He shared his love of history with all of us. I sat front row . One of the best experiences of my life. RiP Mr Ewing
Mary Monroe Kolek
February 3, 2023
I know I am among many who were inspired by Mr.Ewing´s teaching. He gave his best and expected our best; and made sure we could achieve it. He was a scholar, a mentor and set a bar I used throughout my career in education. Over 40 years after I was in his class he popped in to visit me in my office. Unbelievable. He was a reminder about what teaching is when practiced with care and dedication. He also inspired a lifelong appreciation for history and politics. So grateful.
Shane Gallagher
February 3, 2023
My condolences to the family. Mr. Ewing as I knew him was my Social Studies teacher my Junior year at Stratford High. Tough teacher but in a good way. He had high standards and did not sway from them. I did not know how extensive his teaching career was until now. What an amazing resume he built and life he lived.
Joan Prusaczyk
February 3, 2023
Mr. Ewing was a wonderful teacher! I have many fond memories of his class at SHS! He was one of a kind! Condolences to his family and friends
Garry Woessner
February 3, 2023
Best Stratford HS teacher ever - challenged us to read more than just the textbooks. I still have my report on The Federalist Papers with his many comments in the margins. I credit my interest in politics and political history largely back to Mr. Ewing. I hope his family knows the many lives he touched.
Ian Goodsell
February 3, 2023
I am very sad to hear of Mr. Ewing's passing. I was fortunate enough to have him as my history teacher at Stratford High School two times in the late 1980s. His teaching style was top-notch, and he had an uncanny ability to put up with and cut through the nonsense from countless groups of teenagers over the years. He encouraged as much critical thinking as a class was ready for and I believe this really prepared me for a successful college experience. On essays, he would give two grades: one for the high school class, and one representing if he was grading the paper at a university level; this was an eye-opener. He graciously wrote a number of references for my college applications, and I was always grateful for that. I hope he understood the difference he made in the lives of his students. Thanks again, Mr. Ewing, you will be missed.
Mike Piroh
February 3, 2023
Mr Ewing was not only my favorite teacher at Stratford, he influenced my career choice. We were very close during my time at SHS. He actually showed up at our 20 year reunion and was specifically asking my classmates where I was because he had heard I became a history teacher myself. This was 20 years later and he remembered. I could only dream to have the impact on my students that he had. I should have reached out the last few years, it will always be a regret now. He will truly be missed. God bless Mr Ewing
Patricia Trisko
February 3, 2023
Very sorry for the loss of Mr. Ewing. He was one of my favorite teachers at Stratford High. I learned a great deal from him. May he rest in peace.
Karen Simon
February 3, 2023
What an amazing resume...how lucky were we to have him as a teacher at Stratford High School!
RIP Mr. Ewing
Judith Rozarie
February 3, 2023
May the memories you have of Jim be forever in your hearts. We came to know him as our US History teacher at Stratford High in the 1970's - he quickly became our favorite teacher. His respect for his students, his sharing anecdotes made history come alive for us. It is still our favorite subject, all these years later. We saw him occasionally after high school, until just a few years ago. Jim always remembered us, was always funny and true. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Judi and Dirk
Thomas Heiden
February 3, 2023
The best high school teacher I had - easily. Rest in peace, sir.
Jeff Lee
February 3, 2023
Mr. Ewing was the best teacher I had at Stratford High School (1967 - 1970) and influenced me profoundly. More than 50 years have elapsed since then and I still remember him fondly and with deep appreciation.
Pastor William D. Smart Jr.
February 3, 2023
He was one of the greatest teachers I had in my life
Joe Doherty
February 3, 2023
Mr Ewing was my homeroom teacher 1970-1974 at Stratford High. I have noting but fond memories of him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tom Werner
February 3, 2023
Mr. Ewing was my teacher as a senior at SHS he will missed and will his humor as a person my condolences to his family.
Paul Charney
February 3, 2023
My condolences to Judy. I remember Jim fondly as the HS teacher who inspired me to go into history. I eventually taught it at the university level. I always appreciated how he took me seriously as his student. I also enjoyed working for his landscaping business when I was in college.
reposar en paz
Jim Slattery
February 2, 2023
Dear Judy,
I am saddened to hear of Jim´s death. He was a wonderful person and I was proud to call him my friend. I learned what it means to be a great teacher by watching him. I will fondly remember Jim, his sense of humor and his sense of fairness. Rest in the arms of the lord my dear friend.
Nicole
February 2, 2023
Mr Ewing was my teacher senior year at SHA. He was loved by his students and remembered fondly! My condolences to you and your family for this immense loss.
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