James C Mewborn

James (Jim) Mewborn was born February 16, 1936 in Kinston, NC, the son of J.Courtney Mewborn and Laura Simpson. The Family moved to Savannah, GA where Jim grew up the oldest of four children. He attended Savannah High School and took classes at Armstrong State College before joining the Air Force. He did tours in Guam and Japan before returning to civilian life and college.

His long Aerospace career began with Hughes Aircraft in California, then Autonetics, North American Aviation and finally Rockwell International where he spent 35 years retiring in 1995 as director of the NSLD. His years with Rockwell were filled with challenges and excitement as he was part of the Apollo and shuttle programs.

Jim was honored by NASA with a Public Service Award and with the President’s Award for his outstanding contribution to the Space Transportation Systems Division, among many other awards and recognitions.

Jim loved coaching his boys little league teams, supporting his girls activities and teaching karate. He was a 3rd degree black belt in Yoshu-Kai.

Jim had a special love for children and was always ready to be there supporting, taking photos and cheering them on. Many of the children and their parents gave him the monikers Papa Jim and Paparazzi.

Jim was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine Wall, parents Courtney and Laura, younger brother Bobby, sister-in-law Carolyn Mewborn, nephew Mike Mewborn, great-niece Gabbi Thompson and Brothers-in-law Rex Morris and John Albritton.

He is survived by his loving wife Rosemarry Albritton Mewborn and their children: Vicki Mewborn Mogilevsky (Anton), Heather Mewborn (Eric Huffman), Brian Mewborn (Terri), Jennifer Mewborn Salamon (Joe Moran), Craig Mewborn (Carmen King), Donna Pierce (David) and Jennifer Radcliffe Muller (Jim); grandchildren, Andrew Mewborn (Annie Roche), Joshua Pierce, Chelsea Pierce Miller (Reuben), Megan Deshotel, Abigail Wells (Adrian Schicatano), Broderick Salamon and Reese Salamon; great granddaughter Mila Rose Schicatano; brother Bill Mewborn and family; sister Laura Bett Morris and family; sisters-in-law Sue Kennedy, Linda Albritton; sisters and brothers in law Judy and Gary Trimmer and family, Kathryn and Michael Von Cannon and family and Barbara and Ben Kittles and family.

He is loved and missed by a host of family, friends and former co-workers.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Indian River City United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. There will be a reception to follow.

Donations can be made in Jim’s name to Hospice of St Francis. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.