James A. "Jim" Ewell Jr.

James A. “Jim” Ewell Jr., “The World’s 2nd Greatest Car Salesman”, died on April 24, 2023, at his home, in his sleep, he was 69 years old.  Jim was born on March 6, 1954, in Norwalk, at the old hospital on West Main Street, to the late James A. Sr. and Mary Jane (Stahl) Ewell.  He was a 1972 Norwalk High School graduate and was trained in Forestry in Alpena, Michigan.  

Jim was a third generation car salesman, retiring after 40 years at age 64. But more accurately, he was in the people business.  He was a loving husband, father, “Jimpa” (grandfather), and gentleman.  His traditional values, heart of gold, tremendously generous spirit, and gift for all things sarcastic, endeared him to all fortunate enough to know him. Like many other Ewells,  Jim was a proud Boy Scout, achieving not only the rank of Eagle Scout, but also the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in adulthood.  Jim cared for all with his time, energy, and hospitality. He planted thousands of trees over his lifetime, volunteered as the Edison Band announcer, and used his Universal Life Church clergy license to marry people and perform the annual “Blessing of the Bikes”. He created and spearheaded the “Santa Feeds the Kids” for 30 years, worked with passion for the courthouse clocktower restoration in Norwalk, and long supported Ducks Unlimited.  Jim was handy and a craftsman, particularly when it came to woodworking, and was no stranger to the kitchen, renowned for pies and his “Klondike Nuclear Beans”.  

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Barbara (Snyder) Ewell; their daughters, Jennifer (Nate) Blakeman of Bowling Green, Ohio and Abbe (Kirk) Longstein of Ft. Collins, Colorado; grandchildren, Emily, Oliver, Alistair, Parker, and Luna; brothers, Jay (Paulette) Ewell and Jon (Michaela) Ewell of Norwalk, Ohio; nephews, Jason (Jessica) Ewell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Justin (Gelsey) Ewell of Norwalk, Ohio; aunt, Bev (Richard “Dick”) O’Donnell of Clyde, Ohio; and many, many, friends of the “Pink Flamingo Farm”.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Ewell Sr. and Mary Jane (Stahl) Ewell.  

Friends and family are invited to Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St., Norwalk, on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 2 – 6 p.m. A continued celebration of Jim’s life will follow the visitation, at the Buckeye Pub, 71 Jefferson St., Norwalk, beginning at 6 p.m.   The funeral service will be held at the funeral home, on Friday, April 28, 2023, beginning at 2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stewards of Camp Firelands, 99 W. Main St., Norwalk, OH 44857.  Online condolences may be expressed by visiting: www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com.  Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, Norwalk, is honored to assist the family with Jim’s arrangements and care. 

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