Obituary: James Clifford DeWees

James Clifford DeWees, 89, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Born on August 7, 1935, in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, Jim was the son of the late Albert Owens DeWees and Laura Alma Hill DeWees. In 1963, he moved to Vero Beach from Hampton, Virginia, with his beloved wife, Joan Janet Snyder DeWees.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and continued his service in the Army Reserve after his active duty. He later worked as a template maker for Piper Aircraft until his retirement.

Known around town for riding his three-wheeler along King's Highway, Jim was a familiar and friendly face in the community. He enjoyed driving his Gold Wing Trike, walking with his regular group at Riverside Park, and had a lifelong passion for coin collecting, camping, and traveling—always by road. One of his most memorable adventures was driving all the way to the edge of the Arctic Circle.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Glenda Watson, and her husband Buddy of Vero Beach; four grandchildren: Christine Harp and James Clifford Bass, both of Vero Beach, Richard Watson and his wife Linda of Crawfordsville, Georgia, and Cheryl Hannink and her husband Patrick of Little Rock, Arkansas; four great-grandchildren: Brittany Caldwell and her husband Adam of Orlando, Florida, Justin Watson of Evans, Georgia, Sydney Harp Marley and her husband Nick of Vero Beach, and Ty Harp and his partner Sophia of Vero Beach; and three great-great-grandchildren: Levi Caldwell of Orlando, Florida, and Stella Harp and Jasper Harp, both of Vero Beach.

He was one of eight siblings and is survived by his sister, Mary Harris, of St. Albans, West Virginia and many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife and best friend, Joan Janet Snyder DeWees, whose memory he cherished deeply.

Private services may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.