James Earl Dew

James Earl

Dew

James Earl (Jim) Dew passed away on November 22, 2022, with Judy, his wife of 61 years, by his side.

Jim was born in Dillon County, the oldest child of the late Major and Sara Dew. He was predeceased by three brothers: Billy, Bud, and Mitchell, sister, Ann Stokes, nephew David Dew, and niece Rhonda Dew McIntyre. Jim is survived by his devoted sister, Barbara Smith (Charles), sister-in-laws: Toni Ann Dew, Cathy Gregory, and Jane Dew, and brother-in-law, Steve Watson (Patsy). Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. Jim was faithful to his family and truly looked forward to hosting this large group of extended relatives each Christmas Eve.

Jim played both football and baseball at Latta High School. He was especially proud to be a member of the 1955 and 1956 State Championship baseball teams. His letter jacket still hangs in his closet. After graduation from Latta High School and the Atlanta School of Radio and TV Repair, Jim joined the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country. He enjoyed sharing memories of his time at Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis and of the part he played in the recovery of the Mercury Capsules.

Jim worked as an engineer and manager at Rockwell International, AVM, and FN International. He had a keen sense of mechanical workings and could design and repair most anything put before him. He was a reliable and dedicated employee.

Jim loved to talk about the activities and accomplishments of his three daughters, Susan Dew (Tim Capps), Becky Jackson (Bill), and Tammy Gilligan (Bob Harrison). He enjoyed sharing stories of his six grandchildren too: Gil Rogers (Kaitlyn), Skyeler Rogers, Addie Gilligan, Jack Gilligan, Camdyn Jackson, and Luke Jackson. Jim loved his three beautiful great-grand children, Adalyn, Abel, and Averly. He often wore gifted caps from his children and grandchildren that would spark conversations with others. If you asked about his cap, he would tell you all about the child or grandchild who gave it to him!

Jim loved to plant and tend a large garden and then share produce with his friends and neighbors. His most recent specialties were watermelon and eggplant. He also was a true houndsman and raised many Bluetick deerhounds and beagles during his life. Jim was a former member of the Wahee Gun Club and the Pierce Hunting Club and was a current honorary member of Ashpole Hunting Club. He cherished his time in the woods listening to the squirrels and birds and went hunting with his good hunting buddy, Tim Capps, just 4 weeks before he passed. Jim's grandson, Skyeler, shot an 8 point buck on the day of Jim's death after hearing explicit instructions from him just days prior on how to track this specific deer.

Jim was a faithful member of Marion Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and on various committees. The job he probably loved most at his church was that of usher since this allowed him to greet and welcome members and guests. Jim was a member of the Oak Tree Sunday School Class.

Memorials may be made to Marion Baptist Church at 106 South Main Street, Marion SC.

Visitation will be on Friday November 25 at 10:00 at Marion Baptist Church with services at 11:00. The burial will follow at the Catfish Baptist Church Cemetery. Services will be streamed live on the Richardson Funeral Home (Marion, SC) Facebook page.