Obituary: James J. Hewitt, 92

James J. Hewitt Sr., 92, of Hamilton Township, died Friday, May 4, at home.

Born in Trenton, and a former Lawrence Township resident, he had resided in Hamilton since 2004.

Jim was a retired detective with the Lawrence Township Police Department. He  was the first officer in Lawrence to be selected for the position of detective. He retired in 1983 after 27 years of service.

Jim witnessed two of the most historical moments in the 20th century. As a young man representing Western Union at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, he witnessed the crash of the German airship Hindenburg. While serving in the United States Army at Pearl Harbor, he was on guard duty when Japan attacked that United States military installation.

He was a proud member of the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association, Lawrence Township American Legion Post 414, and the Lawrence Post 3022 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Son of the late Joseph and Sara Foy Hewitt, husband of the late Margaret M. Hewitt and stepfather of the late John Williams IV, he is survived by his wife Catherine Chell Hewitt; three daughters Catherine Burzymowski and her husband Ronald, Margaret M. Romero and her husband Joe, and Elizabeth Rinkus and her husband David; a son James J. Hewitt Jr. and his wife Betty; a stepson Steven Williams; nine grandchildren; four great-grand children; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 8, at 9:30 a.m. at , 650 Lawrence Rd., Lawrence Township, with Monsignor Vincent Gartland pastor of officiating.

Burial will be in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown.

Family and friends may call on Monday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Because of the cemetery policy of no flowers, the family requests that in Jim’s memory you consider making memorial contributions to the Lawrence Township American Legion Post 414, 100 Berwyn Place, Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648.