James Ewert

James A. "Jim" Ewert, 67, of Topeka, died February 11, 2012 at Midland Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was born on October 14, 1944 in Newton, Kansas the son of Albert F. and Christine (Getz) Ewert. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and spent time in Thailand. Jim graduated from the College of Emporia with a B.A. in Chemistry. He worked as a Civil and Environmental Engineer for the Santa Fe Railway Company until 1995. He later worked as an Environmental Consultant until his retirement in 2010. Jim was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was an ordained Deacon and Elder. He was an avid reader especially science fiction. He enjoyed hunting, music and played the piano. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren. He married Susan Collins in Birmingham, Alabama on July 19, 1969. They later divorced. He is survived by their two sons, David Ewert of Topeka and Daniel (Anne)Ewert of Rockwall, Texas, four grandchildren, Dakota, Hunter, Clair and Sarah and one brother, Fritz Ewert of Edwards, Colorado. Jim will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. where a funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Cremation will follow. Graveside inurnment services with military honors will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Emporia, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice or the Wounded Warriors Project and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.