James “Jim” Marlowe Sawyer

James (Jim) Sawyer of Newark, DE, age 90, set sail on his final journey toward the horizon on Sunday, May 29, 2022. Conditions were fair as he “crost the bar” surrounded by his family and loved ones. All that had the privilege to encounter Jim will be forever touched by his kindness, his warm smile, friendly greeting, generosity, and his desire to “create memories” for and with the ones he loved.

Jim was born in Asheville, NC on June 6, 1931. There he lived with his parents, Carl M. Sawyer, and Helen Marlowe Sawyer, experiencing a rather idyllic childhood romping through the woods, building forts, fishing, gardening, scouting, and sharing in his father’s love for cars.

In 1951, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1951 to 1955. Following his discharge, he attended Appalachian State University, where he earned a BS in social studies and physical education and a MA in reading education and physical education. He later completed his Ed.D in reading education at Duke University. Jim’s allegiance to the ASU Mountaineers and the Duke Blue Devils remained fierce throughout his life!

While at Appalachian, Jim met his beloved wife, Wanda. They were married in 1957 and enjoyed 55 years of marriage filled with dancing, sailing, reading, and traveling.

Jim worked in the field of reading education for over 32 years holding positions including Assistant Professor, Team Leader (Learning Institute of North Carolina), and Division Director (International Reading Association). Perhaps Jim’s most obscure position was that of Park Ranger at Manassas National Battlefield Park where he worked the summer of 1960.

Jim was a member of the Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church, founding member of the Yardarm Society of Delaware, and was a Distinguished Alumni of Appalachian State University. Jim enjoyed sailing, reading, woodworking and gardening.

Jim is survived by his son, Mike Sawyer; daughter, Laura Ann Morris; .5 daughter, Diane Crossan; five grandchildren: Ginnie Sawyer-Morris, and her husband, Adam, Zachary Sawyer, Matthew Morris, Caitlin Morris, and Carley Morris.  In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his treasured wife, Wanda Smith Sawyer.

A service for Jim will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at the Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church located at 1100 Church Road in Newark, Delaware. The family will be available to receive guests from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. All who wish to celebrate and pay tribute to Jim’s well lived life, are invited to attend. There will be a reception in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:

The Appalachian Fund (https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1727/cg20/form.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=392&cid=1011)

or

Chesapeake Bay Foundation- https://secure.cbf.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30112b?df_id=1561&mfc_pref=T&1561.donation=form1&s_src=00O3MEMAPPMEMAPPWEB0000001L06&s_subsrc=0000_FR_WB_APP_XXX_db_01&_gl=1*1hf4q5r*_ga*MTc5MDUxMjEzOS4xNjU0Mzg4Mjg2*_ga_LZKG7DYJLG*MTY1NDM4ODI4Ni4xLjAuMTY1NDM4ODI4Ni4w&_ga=2.193836777.575428511.1654388286-1790512139.1654388286&NONCE_TOKEN=4EC533426A4F63131F35102F6BC7149E