James Roland Brewer

James “Jim” Roland Brewer, 90, of Mooresville, and formerly of Monrovia, passed from this life in the comfort of his home, with his large and loving family by his side on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. He was born in Martinsville on September 9, 1931, to the late James “Pete” Millard and Dean (Allred) Brewer. Raised on the old farmstead on Antioch and Keller Hill Roads, Jim was one of five children who played an integral role keeping up with the daily jobs that come with living on a farm. He attended Monrovia schools, where he met the love of his life, Mattie Jane Sawyer. The two fell fast in love and were married just before he proudly enlisted in the United States Army. Upon discharge, Jim and Mattie settled into the quiet, country life of Wilbur. He secured employment with VanCamp, Amtrack, then later Conrail as a Brakeman, dedicating 32 years of service, deservingly retiring in 1995. Bringing nine children into this world, Jim was devastated when Mattie was diagnosed with breast cancer, passing from this life on March 19, 1969, leaving he and the kids to live their lives without their beloved matriarch. It wasn’t until much later in life that Jim found the second woman he found a deep connection with, Noreen Marie Dietz. Discovering a new-found lease on life, the two were married and spent their free time traveling west to his favorite destinations, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and California, often visiting old ghost towns looking for treasures with his handy dandy metal detector. A truly devoted patriarch, Jim did his best to be stern raising his children, however he was clearly outnumbered! He was authentically a loving and giving father, consistently putting his children’s needs above his own. A master craftsman with Styrofoam, he was notorious for mispronouncing just about every common word known to man. With the heart of an artist, he was gifted with creativity, from painting to writing, Jim was genuinely talented. He cherished flowers of all colors, planting and tending them delicately, and found joy in hunting for antique gems. Amazing, resilient, and strong, he ALWAYS had a sincere smile on his face, no matter the adversities life threw at him. His passing has left a hole in the hearts of us all, but we know we will all rejoin him in Heaven one day. Until then, remember him smiling and waving from the door as you pulled away. Along with his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wives, Mattie J. Brewer, and Noreen M. Brewer; son, Larry Brewer; siblings, Gene Brewer, Marilynn “Tootie” Dillman, Sue Dodd, Ruth Harris, and grandson, Noah. Jim leaves behind his children, Jeff Brewer (Darla) of Eminence, Michael Brewer (Shonda) of Mooresville, Robin Burdine (Glen) of Wilbur, James Brewer, Jr. (Lisa) of Oklahoma City, Brian Brewer of Mooresville, Greg Brewer (Mitzi) of Bargersville, Steven Brewer (Sherry) of Avon, Andrew Brewer (Patricia) of Clayton, Victor Brewer of Brooklyn, and Ronda Brewer (Mark) of Plainfield; daughter-in-law, Lori Brewer; grandchildren, Aerie, Obadiah, Josiah, Hannah, Amy, Eric, Troy, Adam, Nolan, Jay, Michael, Madison, Morgan, Chasity, Ben, Joshua, Amber, Heather, Carrie, Miranda, Cheyenne, Zach, Ashley, Jacob, Brittany, DaNae, Kayla, Kara, Christopher, Jamison, Shae-Lynn, and Braydin, along with their spouses; as well as too damn many great grandchildren to count! Cremation and Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, July 28, from 1pm to 3pm at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service, along with Military Honors will begin promptly at 3pm, and will be livestreamed on Light Memorial’s Facebook page. Jeff Brewer will officiate, and Jim will be inurned at Polar Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society via mail, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, or online at https://www.cancer.org, in Jim’s memory. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in his memory, please search @MonroviaFuneralHome on social media or visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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James Roland Brewer

September 9, 1931 - July 19, 2022