James Craik Dewar

DEWAR - JAMES C., 88, of Indian Lake PA, died July 17, 2025 at his home. Born June 22, 1937, weighing only 2lb 2 oz. in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late George and Irene Dewar. He was hospitalized after birth at Magee Women’s Hospital for 3 months. He was a member of the Edgewood High School class of 1955 where he was a member of student council, Debate Club, Drama Club, Spanish Club, Varsity E club, Baseball Team, Football Team and Senior Play. He raced sailboats with his dad and missed the 1954 Olympics in the Starboat class by one boat. He received his undergraduate degree from Westminster College 1959 with a major in Business Administration. He served as President of the Freshman Class in 1955-56 and was President of Block W Athletic Club in 1958-59. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Little Theater and Mock Presidential Convention. He was a gridiron standout for the Titans, then later continued to serve Titan athletics as one of the founders and the first president of the Towering Titan Organization. Dewar was a member of the undefeated 1956 Westminster football team and started at tight end and linebacker in 1957-58. He was a 2004 inductee into the Titan Sports Hall of Fame. He served in the US Air Force Reserve from 1959-1967. He worked at Dewar-Watson Oldsmobile in Homestead PA with his father in service, sales and then as general manager and subsequently became part owner. He earned a degree in Dealership Management from General Motors Institute and studied at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

He purchased Pristows Motor Sales in Johnstown PA in 1969. Dewar’s Car World was a thriving dealership from 1969-1999 with multiple franchises including Oldsmobile, Volkswagen, Lincoln Mercury, AMC, Jeep-Eagle, Nissan, Chevrolet, Renault, Peugeot, Indian Motor Cycles, Coleman Trailer, Ittasca motor homes, and Nomad Travel Trailers. In addition to Dewar’s Car World he owned Dewar Chevrolet, Budget Rent a Car of Johnstown, State College and Altoona, Gulf Golf, Treasure Island, FL, Jidola Corp, Johnstown Financial Corp, Jim Dewar Leasing Corp. He was a member of the Super Grand Olds Gang, Board of Lincoln Mercury Dealers Association, Jeep Eagle Dealers, Oldsmobile National Council and member of Act II Oldsmobile Board. He was known as the “Do It Right Dealer” and his Jimuary Jamboree was always a big hit with customers. Jim was loved and respected by countless customers and employees.

He was committed to his community and community service. He served on the Board of Directors at the Johnstown Saving Bank, US Bank, U BanCorp, and Connemaugh Hospital. He was the President of the Crawford Fund at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and served on the UPJ Advisory Board. He was president of Connemaugh Health Company, of the Board at the Sunnehanna Country Club and President and a trustee at Westminster. He sponsored Wheels of Support for both the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State Football teams. He was a director and part owner of the Johnstown Jets Hockey Team and a 30-year member of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, director of the Athena Award of Johnstown and Pittsburgh, and director and part owner of United Foundry of Johnstown. He was a member of the Board of Somerset County Planning Commission, chairman of Audit Committee and board member of Ameriserv Bank, Chairman of Athletic Committee Westminster Board of Directors, and Director of JD’s Labor Camp. Dewar received an alumni citation from Westminster College in 1993 and was elected into the Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2001. He was a member of St. Petersburgh Yacht Club and Indian Lake Golf Club. He was a member and Trustee at Westmont Presbyterian Church. He was a player and coach for the Bears at the Turkey Bowl for many years.

He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan and season ticket holder who watched his team play from Forbes Field to Heinz Field. He dedicated his life to his family and friends including his “Forever Friends” Barb and Smitty Smith, Arch and Nancy Robinson, and Dick and Janet Cain.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Georgia Mathews, brother Jack Dewar, daughter Dorinda Ann Dewar Clark and grandson Cory James Cregan. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Ann Dewar; a son: Dr. James C. Dewar, Jr. (Dr. Stephanie) of Indian Lake, PA; a daughter: Laura Lynn Dewar Cregan (Dr. Kevin) of Goldsboro NC; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Helen), Katherine (Jeffrey) and Andrew Dewar; Dr. Devin (Hannah), Riley and Brianne Cregan: Oakes Salancy and Khalen Clark; great grandchildren Miles Matthew and Jean Louise Dewar- Reamer: cousins Don Campbell (MaryLou), Bonnie Blank (Dave) and Jack Campbell (Janice); sister in law Ilona Dewar, brothers in law Edward Mathews and Edward Trosch, nephews Patrick (Jennifer) and Ryan (Danielle) Trosch, nieces Sarah Roccograndi (Robert), Jennie Bailey (Bruce), Sheri Phillips (Paul), and Deena Mathews; great nieces Cailey and Stella, great nephews Connor, Landon and Ryan Jr., and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Westmont Presbyterian Church at 11 AM on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 AM prior to the service. A time for fellowship will follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Mr. Dewar to either the Towering Titans Organization Westminster College to the Director of Athletics Jason Lener at (724) 946-7313 or e-mail at lenerja@westminster.edu.or the Music Program/Organ Fund at Westmont Presbyterian Church, 601 Luzerne St., Johnstown PA. Private inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home.