James Matthew Hewitt

James Matthew Hewitt, 85 of Monroe, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the Comfort House in Pella. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Coburn Funeral Home in Monroe. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe Fire and Rescue, the Monroe United Methodist Church or the Monroe American Legion. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

The son of Ivyl Joseph and Ethel Leona (Rookstool) Hewitt, Jim was born on August 12, 1940, in Des Moines. He graduated from Bondurant High School in 1958. On February 19, 1959, he entered the United States Air Force. He attended basic training in San Antonio, Texas, spent five months in Amarillo, Texas for jet fighter school and then was stationed in Duluth, Minnesota. He served for four years on active duty and two years inactive as a Jet Fighter Mechanic Airman 1st Class. Jim was the responsible crew chief for the base commander’s plane. He received the William Tell Weapons Meet Patch and a certificate from Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida as well as verbal recognition during the Cuban Missile Crisis

After his service in the Air Force, he returned to civilian life and did many different things such as, telephone pole man, department store attendant, ambulance driver, truck driver, carpenter hand, farm hand, service station attendant and continuing education. After many years working for Eagle Iron Works, Armstrong/Pirelli/Titan Tire Company and Maytag Corp. he retired as a factory machine operator and forklift driver. Jim was a proud member of the UAW Local 164 and Local 997 unions.

On March 6, 1965, he married Patty Joan Kingery and celebrated 48 years together before her passing. To this union a daughter, Kelly, was born. He was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church for 60 years, where he Served on many church committees over the years including Church Council, SPRC, Trustees and was a member of the United Methodist Men’s group. He also received a Special Mission Recognition pin in 2016 for his dedicated work in the church. He was also a member of the Monroe American Legion, and Moose Lodge.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Kelly (Jim) Phillips; two grandsons, Logan James Phillips and Jacob Don Phillips as well as many extended family and friends. Preceding Jim in death were his parents, wife, Joan, a brother Edward Eugene Hewitt and an infant sister.