Published
4 years agoon
It is with great sadness and despair that we must inform our family and our friends of the passing of Colonel James E. Brewer, Retired, a lifetime resident of Sheridan, WY. He was blessed to have his loving wife by his side as he walked into the light to meet his savior, the Lord Jesus. Colonel Brewer was a dedicated husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, uncle, leader, and loyal friend. Jim was born in Sheridan, WY on November 18, 1934, to Lena Mae (Bowen) Brewer and Clarence Dale Brewer.
Col. Brewer attended Elementary School (1st – 7th grade) at Central School, he then attended Hill School for 8th grade. Jim graduated from Sheridan High School in 1952. After spending the next several years working at various jobs. In 1956 Jim was accepted to Montana State (College) University in Bozeman, MT to begin his academic endeavors. On March 28, 1961, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with an emphasis on Social Studies and Airforce R.O.T.C. On March 28, 1961, Jim accepted his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Airforce Reserve. On April 16, 1961, Jim became an active officer in the United States Airforce where he proceeded into his service and an undergraduate Pilot in Training at Moody Air Force Base in the state of Georgia. Jim graduated from the flight in May of 1962 with a class of 62-G. He was immediately assigned to 84th Air Force squadron, as a C-133 pilot at Travis Air Force Base. For the next thirty years, Jim’s military career progressed through to full Colonel. He was assigned to several Air Force Bases in California, Illinois, Vietnam, Connecticut, Georgia, Alabama, and Germany. During his illustrious years of service, he was chosen and then graduated from Air Command College (1971) and Air War College (1982). During his time in the service he was honored with the following military decorations: The Legion of Merit (one leaf cluster), The Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (one oak leaf cluster), the Air Force Commendation (one oak cluster). Colonel Brewer was a Senior Pilot with more than 6300 hours of flying time.
Colonel James E. Brewer was preceded in death by his mother Lena Mae Brewer, father Clarence Dale Brewer, brother Robert Dale Brewer Sr., sister Barbara Fullen. Colonel Brewer is survived by his wife and most loyal supporter Mary Lou, son Barry of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Sherri of Malvern, OH along with three stepchildren; Juanita Jean Aggers (Allen) Bartlesville, OK, Robert Dale Jr. (Miki) of Billings, MT and Dr. Ronald W. (Susan) of Mahomet, IL. He was honored to have six grandchildren: Allison, Jennelle, Emily, Robert Dale III., Cas, Miranda, Christopher, and Cory. He also had: twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild and one niece all of whom loved him very deeply.
Colonel Brewer embodied all the traits of a true American Hero! His thirty years of service were provided with honor to the greatest nation in the world. His loyalty to God and Country was only overridden by his love and dedication to his wife, to his family, and to his friends. We will forever feel a void in our lives due to his leaving our world to his new Commander and Chief (the Lord Jesus).
Cremation has taken place and as per Jim’s wishes, there will be no services. Please honor Colonel Brewer’s request that in lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to a charitable organization of your choice.
As per his wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers please make donations, in his name, to a charitable donation of your choice.
Dave Withrow
September 8, 2020 at 5:55 pm
As a youngster whose size was about that of a basketball, Jim got me to shoot my first basket. I never forgot his kindness.
Tracy Crume
September 10, 2020 at 11:09 am
To the Brewer and Garretson families,
I am so very sorry for your loss of a great man and of that of a great American hero. May the Lord comfort and keep you in such trying times.