James "Jim" Edward Brewer (77), of North Andover, MA, reunited with his Lord and Savior after passing away on Sep 1, 2026. He was born on October 31, 1948, in Hershey PA to the late Harold B. and Lois (Coffing) Brewer.

James attended Shippensburg State University, where he met his wife Annemarie of 47 years and graduated with both a BA and MS in Public Administration. Prior to college, James honorably served our country in Vietnam as a Cryptanalyst in the United States Army, earning the rank of Specialist 5, a Bronze Star Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.

James and Annemarie lived most of their lives in Philadelphia PA. There he had a long and prosperous career working for the Department of Behavioral Health Services. Starting as a management intern, James rose through many positions to become a Mental Health Program Services Manager — a role he retired from in 2008. Throughout his tenure, James demonstrated remarkable knowledge and integrity that earned the respect and gratitude of all those who received the benefit of his tireless devotion to duty. Even when he was off the clock, James loved following and discussing current events happening around his community and the world.

James was a lifelong fan of ice hockey, which he played throughout his childhood and up to the age of 30. He was also a loyal fan of the Hershey Bears and the Boston Bruins — watching and attending as many games as possible. James' other passion was stock car racing, which spawned his lasting hobby of model cars. Not only did he love spending countless hours applying meticulous detail to his realistic creations in his workshop, but he frequently attended trade shows where he developed many close friendships with other hobbyists.

James had a fulfilling family life as well. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and daughter, visiting wineries and loved sharing his love of cooking and conversation with friends and family (especially around the holidays). James also held a big spot in his heart for the many cats and dogs that brought his family so much joy over the years.

James was the beloved husband of Annemarie (Giannotti) Brewer, a devoted father to his daughter Jessie (Brewer) Palasek and son-in-law Joe Palasek, a proud grandfather ("Opa") to his grandchildren Grant and Hayden, a caring sibling to his brother to Jerry and sister-in-law Christine (Cassel) Brewer, and a cherished relative to his entire extended family.

James will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held from 10am-12pm on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn Street (Corner of Woburn St), Reading MA. Funeral services celebrating James' life will begin at 12pm at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will follow at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in James' memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org

For directions and online guestbook, visit www.douglssfuneralhome.com