James Edward DeWire, 85, passed away peacefully in his home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 4th, 2026. Jim was born on July 16, 1940, in Hughesville, PA, to the late Russell A. and Alice M. (Confer) DeWire.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Roberta (Armstrong) DeWire of Carlisle; children, Jenny Michaels of Carlisle, Kathy Benito (Bill) of Buford, GA, Jay A. DeWire (Colleen McKnight) of Frederick, MD; grandchildren, Emily, Russell, and Thomas; siblings, Jon DeWire and Mary Jo Feldman. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, son in law Eric Michaels, and brothers Bill, Bob, David, and Phil.

Jim was a great source of strength to his family and community. He was proud to celebrate his children and grandchildren as they built happy, successful lives. He supported those he loved as a parent, friend, coach and neighbor, teaching through example and by offering help in times of need.

Valuing education as he did, Jim pursued learning throughout his life. As a child, he set a goal to graduate from West Point, and he achieved that goal in 1963. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Georgia Tech in (ORSA) engineering. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College and the US Army War College where he later served on staff. Jim encouraged learning in others, as well. All three of his children and one grandchild work in education. He found great joy in the experience of reading daily on his own and with neighborhood children. By word and deed, Jim was a life-long learner.

Jim had a long and varied career serving two tours of duty in Vietnam and assisting in the aftermath of Desert Storm. He commanded a battalion of howitzers while posted in Germany. Later in his career, he served with General Turnage working for the Selective Service System and as Chief of Staff of the Office of Veterans Affairs. He was proud to be a part of that organization when President Ronald Reagan signed the act to make it a cabinet level agency. Once he retired from active duty in 1989, Jim went on to work as a defense contractor.

In the course of his military career, Jim was awarded the following honors: three Legion of Merit, four Bronze Stars, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Medals, an Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed reading, gardening, golfing, fishing, and hunting. From a young age he was an all-around outdoorsman. This passion was passed on to his children and grandchildren through a variety of activities such as birding, boating, and fishing. He was also a tremendous supporter of the arts.

A memorial service and celebration will be held at 11:00 AM on May 18th, 2026, at Second Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013. Internment at Indiantown Gap will be at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. Visit HollingerFuneralHome.com for more information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to Second Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Drive Carlisle, PA 17013.