James E. Hewitt

Waltham – Retired Waltham Police Captain James E. Hewitt, of Waltham, died Saturday, July 26, 2014 in Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington. He was 69.

Jim was born on March 29, 1945 in Cheyenne, Wyoming a son of the late John E. and Bertha Minnie (Kuntz) Hewitt. He was a graduate of East High School in Cheyenne and later earned his bachelor's degree from Massachusetts Bay Community College and master's degree in criminal justice from Westfield State College.

During the Vietnam War Jim served as a sergeant with the United States Marine Corps. While stationed in Boston aboard the USS Boston he met his future bride, Arlington native Jeanne Ham, on a blind date. After a courtship the couple married on April 2, 1967 in Saint Camillus Church in Arlington and have been Waltham residents since.

After a twenty-five year career with the Waltham Police Department Jim retired as a captain on April, 23, 1999. He began his career as a patrolman in July, 1974 where he rose through the ranks and served with the department's honor guard.

As a proud Marine he was a member of the Marine Corps League and the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156 in Waltham. Jim coached and later umpired in the North Waltham Little League, the Babe Ruth League and later for the Connie Mack Baseball League.

He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 953 in Waltham. Jim was also a very active member of his faith community at Christ Church on Main Street where he served as a Eucharistic minister and as a senior and junior warden. He had also been a longtime volunteer with the Waltham Boys & Girls Club. Other interests included fishing, golf and baseball.

In addition to his wife of 47 years, Jeanne, he leaves his children, Julie L. Hewitt of Acton and James B. Hewitt of Bedford; his brother, John P. Hewitt and his wife, Carrie, of Lake Forest, California; his sister and brother-in-law, Lindsay and Scott Gillis of Concord and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jim's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, July 31st from 4 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday morning, August 1st where his funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. The Rev. Norm Faramelli will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in his name may be made to Christ Church Episcopal, 750 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451 or to the Kidney-Dialysis Foundation, P.O. Box 51362, Boston, MA 02205.