James Hewitt McGown

James Hewitt McGown, age 66, of Athens, Georgia, passed away at home Thursday, March 7th, 2013.
A big-hearted and wise man, McGown was born on March 30, 1946 in Lynbrook, New York, to Hewitt Roe McGown and Jeanette McDougal McGown. He grew up in nearby Garden City on Long Island.
After graduating from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, he came to Athens as a young Naval officer for training at the Navy Supply Corps School. While in Athens, he met his future wife Jane Foster. After one year's service in the Philippine Islands, he married Jane in September, 1972.
In 1973, Jim and Jane moved to Athens to make their home. The majority of their years together in Athens were spent in the historic Bloomfield neighborhood amongst an affectionate and close-knit community of neighbors. Jim and Jane celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary here last year.
Jim was the proud and dedicated father of Todd Foster McGown Elihu and Evan Hewitt McGown, both of Athens. Todd and his wife Baraka are the parents of 5-year-old granddaughter Akasha, much adored by her loving "Big Baba."
Jim's primary drive in his life was a deep love for all of humanity; he continually sought to embody the radical and courageous love of Christ wherever it was needed. He served as an ambassador and advocate for love and peace in many forms: he was instrumental in the establishment of the Athens Area Homeless Shelter; he served on the board of the Samaritan Counseling Center of Northeast Georgia; he mentored youth through the Clarke County Mentor Program and taught computer skills and chess at Barrow Elementary; he served as Director of UGA's Presbyterian Student Center for many years; he was a long-time elder at First Presbyterian Church and a frequent delegate to General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A); and in the last years of his life he was tirelessly active in the Israeli-Palestinian peace movement and a fervent advocate of justice for the Palestinian people, even traveling to the Middle East and visiting congressmen on the issue.
Blessed with a bright mind and an active curiosity, Jim possessed a lifelong love for learning, especially as a scholar of Christianity. Jim educated Christians as a mentor in the 4-year Education for Ministry program through the University of the South. In his retirement, he completed a Masters Degree in Religion from UGA, as well as continuing his study of piano and music, the latter of which brought joy to many who remember his beautiful Irish tenor voice that readily came out with a smile and shining spirit.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 185 East Hancock Avenue in Athens, on Saturday, March 16th at 11:00 AM. Officiating will be Dr. Glenn Doak, assisted by the Revs. Bob Googe and Andy Cooke. Choral accompaniment will be provided by the Athens Voices of Truth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: 1) Presbyterian Student Center, 1250 S. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30605; 2) Jubilee Partners, P.O. Box 68, Comer, GA 30629; 3) The Israel-Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY, 40202-1396.
Lord & Stephens EAST is in charge of arrangements.