James Melvin Hewitt

With sadness we announce the passing of Jim Hewitt, on Saturday April 19, 2025, just shy of his 96th birthday, at his home in The Village of Wentworth Heights. Jim had a remarkably long and healthy life, full of teaching, boating, gardening, traveling and playing music. Jim remained sharp of mind and nimble of body well into his mid-nineties; you might have seen him driving his beloved Honda Fit (stick-shift!) right up until a few months ago, when an unexpected fall slowed him down a bit, and he hung up his keys for good.

Jim was a born-and-raised Hamiltonian and made his mark as an educator and well-known principal with the former Hamilton Board of Education, now the HWDSB. He retired after 35 successful years of being an administrator of Hamilton middle schools.

Jim grew up on Stirton Street in Hamilton. From his father, he developed a lifelong love of boats and was an avid sailor up to his 85th year. He named all his sailboats “Centenaire”, named for Canada’s centennial year, since he started with his first sailboat in 1967.

Jim was a beloved leader and a charismatic showman when it came to music. As kids, we remember attending concerts at Hamilton Place, where he conducted the International Harvester Male Chorus and was the director of music with that organization for 20 years. He was a lifelong clarinetist and tenor sax player, bandmaster for 15 years with the Lorne Scots of Canada Military Band, and a proud founding member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regimental Band. Jim also founded and then directed for 13 years the 22-member Silver Swing Big Band Dance Band.

Predeceased by his parents, Myrtle and Walter, and his brother, Morrison. Jim is survived by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Ann (née O’Shaughnessy) and his three children: Jim (Lynn), Marjorie (Greg) and Jeff (Elaine). Dad was dear “Papa” to his 2 grandchildren, Eli and Zoe, and always wanted them to know how proud he was of them.

Special thanks to the staff at the Village of Wentworth Heights, who never failed to support our father with skill, compassion and kindness; we are so appreciative and grateful.

Honouring Dad’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. However, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success, which is the charitable arm of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board that supports needy students across the city. (https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/foundation/)