James McEwen Dewar

James McEwen Dewar, 69, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, loving brother-in-law and friend. Born Aug. 4, 1943, in Williamsport, Pa., to James Livingston Dewar and Margaret (McEwen) Dewar; died Thursday, July 25, 2013, in Arlington, Va.

Born in Williamsport, James attended Williamsport High School, graduating from Montoursville High School in 1961. He attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1966.

Upon graduation, James proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force in Tucson, Ariz. rising to the rank of Captain. Serving in Arizona led to a lifelong love of the Southwestern culture, the desert and horses. James continued to live in Tucson, Ariz., founding DeLair & Dewar with close friend, John DeLair, a successful firm which then expanded internationally. He combined his life in Tucson with extensive travel and work overseas, spending considerable time in Africa (Kenya and South Africa), South Asia (particularly India and Vietnam) and Europe (France, Germany, Luxembourg). He returned home and has been a resident of Northern Virginia for over eighteen years. He continued his other work, establishing both J. Dewar North America, Inc. and expanded his horse operations, establishing Dewar’s Performance Horses., working with his daughter Leah McDaniel.

Throughout his life, James had an ongoing commitment to charitable work, beginning with his work for Casa de los Ninos in Tucson in the 1970s. During his time in India, James and his family developed a close bond with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity, volunteering at the Seema Puri Leper Colony outside New Delhi and their friendship endured. James continued to work with Mother and her order throughout his time in France, Vietnam and back home in the United States. He was a trusted, loving advisor to family and friends, knowledgeable, talented and enthusiastic about so many things: history, the English language, writing, cooking, foreign cultures, Mexico. He was an avid hunter and a wildlife conservationist. He is the author of a historical novel, "The Disciples," which has earned raves from all who’ve read it. James had a profound effect on all those who knew him.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Margaret Cawley Dewar; his loving children, Alec Livingston Dewar and wife, Syra, Porter King Fearey Dewar and wife, Jennifer and Leah Dewar McDaniel and husband, Chad; his seven grandchildren, Alejandro Dewar, Ian Dewar, Nathan Dewar, James Dewar, Joseph Dewar, Cedar McDaniel and Wheeler McDaniel; his loving brother, Stephen Dewar and wife Candace and numerous other family members and friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 W. Broad St. (Rte. 7), Falls Church, Va. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, July 31 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Georgetown, Washington, D.C