James P Ewell

James P Ewell, 72, died on February 14th, 2023 in Highland Hospital, Oakland, California, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on July 24, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA. He was predeceased by his parents; James P Ewell and Mary (Bradley) Ewell, and was the cherished oldest brother of "The Eight" - survived by his siblings Mary Ellen Strohl (Doug), Nancy Ewell Kelley, Theresa Bahnick (David), Ken Ewell (Lisa), Meg Kranzley (Eric) Robert Ewell (Maria) and John Ewell (Lynne), as well as 22 beloved nieces and nephews. 

Jim graduated from Allentown Central Catholic High School in 1968. He was a US Navy veteran, and after completing his military service he moved to the San Francisco bay area in 1977, where he lived for the rest of his life. Jim spent his early career in the hospitality industry and during that time period he met many of those who would become his lifelong friends. Jim entered sobriety in 2001 and afterwards he became actively involved in AA. He earned his Bachelor Degree from New City College in San Francisco and went on to work directly with veterans at the VA center in Oakland, California - a career that he loved for over 22 years. Jim had an effortless cool about him. He was an avid reader, a lover of great music, and a world traveler with a warmth and wit that made his circle of friends expand around the world. 

Memorial services will be held for Jim on both the east and west coasts in late spring and summer. These dates are yet to be determined but will be announced. The Ewell family wants to make both of these services a true celebration of his life, as well as an opportunity to share all of your stories and remembrances. While we are all deeply affected by his loss, it is somehow fitting that a man with such a huge heart and capacity for love would leave this life on Valentines Day - and we will miss him forever.

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