Surrounded by his family in Shady Grove, Tennessee on his sixth-generation family farm, James (Jim)Walker McEwen passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 7th, 2023.
Jim was born to Arch ‘Rock’ Erwin and Georgia McEwen on September 23rd, 1947 at the King’s Daughters Hospital in Columbia. He deeply loved his family, and was deeply loved by them just the same.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Nancy McEwen; sons, Dan (Lucy) McEwen of Columbia, John (Casey) McEwen of Shady Grove, and Jack (Amy) Hatley of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his grandchildren who he adored, Lewis, May, Nina and Sonny McEwen of Columbia and Leo and Scout Hatley of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by brother Bill (Shirley) McEwen of Shady Grove, and countless friends and family including his Shady Grove Methodist church family and current and former members of McEwen Group.
Jim had a remarkable ability to connect with people and because of that, he impacted so many lives. He was a true friend to many, a rare and remarkable trait, and he cherished the opportunity to help others, no matter who they were or were they came from. A graduate of Columbia Military Academy, he was named Mr. CMA in 1965. He attended the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia.
Jim loved his country. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968, an experience that would guide his commitment and loyalty to his country for the rest of his life.
Jim loved land, the outdoors and Middle Tennessee scenery, but especially his family home place, acquired by his great grandfather McEwen in 1863, this background providing the foundation for what would be a successful career as a real estate broker. Among his favorite things to do was watching the sunset on his front porch over a cold drink with family and close friends. It didn’t get any better than that for him.
Jim also had a deep love of walking horses and a special knack for breeding walking horses, this being a life long passion instilled by his father, Arch, and which became a joint passion of Jim and Nancy’s.
Jim was well rounded. He loved to travel and made life long friends while doing so. He had a love for music, especially when it provided an opportunity to dance.
Jim loved people. Most of all, his people. If you were one of his people, you knew it. And, you were better for it.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Amit Keswani, Dr. Cummins Couch, and Marney Groves, NPC and his team at Mayo Clinic for this skilled and compassionate medical care.
A celebration of life will be held on the McEwen family farm in Shady Grove, Tennessee on Monday July 10, 2023 at 5 p.m. where he will be laid to rest. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home of Columbia is assisting with the arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shady Grove United Methodist Church—1720 Bratton Lane, Williamsport, TN 38487.
