James Joseph Dewire, 87 years old, Dunedin, FL. Passed on December 20, 2023, at Mease Dunedin Hospital. Survivors include his wife Dorothy (85), 55 yrs. of marriage, Dunedin, FL; children Charles (61) Dunedin, FL, Gregg (58) Brookhaven, GA, Meghan (53) Homestead, FL, grandchildren; Elliot Dewire Suarez (17); Caroline Dewire (12). His surviving siblings include Winefred, Mildred, Mary and Michael, all in Boston, MA.
Born to the Late Michael and Margaret Dewire on March 21, 1938, in Brookline, MA. James followed in his father’s footsteps and was a life-long educator, teaching industrial arts at Sachem High School on Long Island, New York from 1966 until his retirement in 1991. In addition to this role, he periodically taught at Suffolk Community College and Stoney Brook University. While visiting his in-laws during the summers in Dunedin, FL he also taught at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
James had a passion for ice hockey and taught his children to skate at a very early age. For several years he travelled extensively throughout the northeast as a hockey coach for Gregg. Sometimes driving 4 or 5 hours each way for a game. He also founded the Sachem hockey team in 1973 which is still in existence today. Meghan continues his legacy by playing competitive hockey. James also loved boating and travelled extensively throughout the Northeastern US with a number of close friends for many years.
In addition to hockey and boating, James loved to golf. While living in Trinity, FL he and Dorothy were active members of the of the Heritage Springs golf community, typically golfing 3 times per week. Many people would consider him a Boston sports fanatic, especially for the Red Sox and Bruins. Rarely did he miss a game on television. When watching a game with him you would feel that you were sitting next to the general manager offering up critiques of coaching decisions that usually turned out to be correct.
After graduation from Fitchburg State College, he served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1954-1968 serving on the US Aircraft Carrier, Tarawa. He was immensely proud of his New England roots, and his service to the country, and loved to wear his Navy hat wherever he went. James will be missed greatly by all who were touched by his love and dedication.