James Earl Drew

James Earl Drew, 80, of Havertown, PA, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Monday, May 26, 2025.

James was the son of the late Andrew Earl and Anna Margaret (née Golden) Drew, husband to the late Martha Helen (née Zelner) Drew and father of the late Nicholas Earl Drew. He was also preceded in death by Francis J. Gunther, John Russell Drew Sr., Mary Elizabeth (née Emery) Drew, and David Marier.

He is survived by his loving son, James Clarence Drew (Noel Guilford); his granddaughter, Grace Anne Drew; and his daughter-in-law, Virginia “Ginny” Drew. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Ann (née Drew) Gunther; his brother, Richard Donald Drew (Karen Sue Drew); and his sister, Sandra Jean (née Drew) Donahue (George Raymond Donahue Sr.). James leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends far and wide.

Jim, as he was affectionately known, graduated from Roxborough High School in June 1963. He was proud of his time in Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and loved camping and the outdoors.

After marrying Martie on November 27, 1965, the couple moved to Norfolk, VA, where he was stationed aboard the USS Hermitage (LSD-34) as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class (BM3).

Jim worked in various roles throughout his life, including as an electrical designer. He was active in his community, especially at Union United Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday School Secretary, a member and President of the Board of Trustees, Coordinator of the Ushers, and organizer of the Senior Dine-Arounds and the Mr. & Mrs. Club. He was also a devoted member of the United Methodist Men, where he led the preparation of family breakfasts for many years.

He and Martie were also deeply involved in their son's education, volunteering with the Haverford High School PTA and the Band Parents Organization (BOPS), where Jim was often found serving hot drinks in the “Dog House” at football games.

He took great pride in maintaining the church grounds and was always ready to lend a hand with projects around the building. Jim lived a life of service—to God, his family, and his community. His legacy is one of kindness, quiet strength, and faith in action.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Havertown United Methodist Church, 200 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown, PA 19083.

A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location.

Burial will take place at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, 1169 Limekiln Pike, Ambler, PA 19002.

In honor of James’s life, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Havertown United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.