Friday, March 29, 2024

Obituary of James Edward Brewer, 89

Name of Deceased James Edward Brewer
Age 89
Date of Death 07/27/2009
Date of Birth 06/17/1920
Funeral Home Koch Funeral Home

James Edward Brewer, 89, of State College, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at his home.

Born June 17, 1920, in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late James Edward Brewer and Margaret Elvira Johnston Brewer. On July 8, 1946, he married Florence Dietrich, who survives at home. He grew up in Norristown and graduated from Norristown High School in 1938. He spent two years as a student at Penn State, entering the Navy in 1941. He was stationed in Perth, Australia, for two years, returning to the States in 1943 and was commissioned as an ensign. After the war, he pursued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science from Penn State, a Masters of Science from the University of Rhode Island, and a Ph.D. from Penn State, all in Ornamental Horticulture. He became a professor of Ornamental Horticulture, continuing his work and enjoying close relationships with his students. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in State College, and of Penn State Inter-Varsity.

Along with his wife, Florence, he is survived by three daughters, Lucinda B. McHolme and her husband, Norman, of McKeesport, Ann Brewer of State College, and Eva B. Hunerlach and her husband, John of Rochester, N.Y.; two brothers, Thomas Brewer of Lexington, Ky., and David Brewer of Little River, Calif. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who will miss his dignity, humor and intelligence. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Daniel P. Brewer.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Creek Presbyterian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Horticulture Alumni Group Scholarship, The Pennsylvania State University, One Old Main, University Park, PA 16802. Please write "in memory of James Brewer" in the memo line on your check. The Brewer Family would like to acknowledge the dedication and friendship of Dan Mancini.