Jim Bob Ewen, 80, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 8:07 AM on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at his home.
On April 14, 1943, James Robert Ewen was born in Fulton County. He was the treasured son of Howard and Marguerite Moore Ewen. Proudly he graduated from Rochester High School with the Class of 1961. At age 16, he received his pilot's license, as the youngest in the state of Indiana. Continuing his education, he studied aviation management at Central Texas College. Answering the call of patriotism, Jim served with the United States Marine Corp and was honorably discharged.
In Kokomo, Jim and Karen L. Halfast were married on August 24, 1969. They shared 46 years of life’s adventures. From their union came a handsome son Garrett. They enjoyed many spring break trips to Florida. As captain of the Mastercraft, Jim took Garrett and his buddies water skiing and tubing on the lake.
The Ewen family returned to Texas while working for Burton Mechanical Contractors/National Homes from 1969 – 1975. Jim was honored to fly former President Lyndon B. Johnson and family to assigned destinations. Returning to Rochester, Jim joined the Rochester Police Department from 1978 – 1989 to serve the community he loved. Jim was appointed as the chief pilot for Air-Vac and was also involved in management of the Fulton County Airport that evolved to a jetport during his tenure. His memberships include F&AM Masonic Lodge, Mizpah Shrine Club of Fort Wayne and the Mentone Flying Club. Jim's favorite plane was the P-51 Mustang.
On September 14, 2019, Jim and Mila Barts were married at Lake Manitou. They enjoyed spending time on the lake and cruising on the pontoon. Both Jim and Mila liked to go camping in the RV to a variety of destinations in Michigan.
Left to cherish Jim's memory are his wife Mila; son, Garrett Ewen and wife Kim of Granger; blended family Lindsay Barts, Dr. Caitlin Rich and husband Mike, Clinton Barts and wife Leigh; grandchildren: Caden Ewen, Gavin Ewen, Linzie Ewen, Eleanor Rich, Maverick Rich, Jacqueline Barts, Bonnie Barts; brothers-in-law: Greg and Jean Halfast, Rick and Lynne Halfast; sister-in-law, Trillia Gearhart; nieces and nephews: Eric Halfast, Alicia Scorsone, Danleigh Kaplan, Lauran Pierce, Ashley Craft and husband Chris, Cory Gearhart and wife Ashley, Emily Gearhart; and two feline companions, Sissy and Rocky.
Preceding Jim in death are his parents and wife Karen on February 9. 2016.
A Masonic Service for James Robert Ewen will be at 1:00 on Thursday, June 8, 2023 followed by the celebration of life service in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Terry Baldwin will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 11-1 on Thursday in the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lake Manitou Association, PO Box 376, Rochester, IN, 46975.
