11/05/2025
Today, we honor James “Jim” Hewlett.
Jim entered the U.S. Army after being drafted on his 21st birthday. Following basic and AIT training, he was stationed in Idar Oberstein, Germany, where he served as the commander’s driver with the 522 Quartermaster in Strassburg Kaserne, Nahbollenbach Army Depot.
After his stint in the Army, Jim began his love of the arts, teaching as an Art Specialist for the Department of Defense in Europe for several years. He taught drawing, watercolor, acrylics, ceramics, leatherwork, silversmithing, photography, and woodworking. Jim also led many art appreciation tours throughout Europe for off-duty military members and their families.
Later, Jim decided on a different career path in Orthotics. He is a Board Certified Orthotist with both the ABC (American Board of Certification) and the BOC (Board of Certification for Orthotics and Prosthetics). Jim stepped away from the arts for more than 45 years until retiring his practice in Arizona and moving to Southern Utah, where he and his wife built their retirement home, complete with an art studio and gallery.
Jim has since begun drawing and painting once again. He is an award-winning artist with works that have been displayed in four different galleries in St. George. He also owns his own gallery, and his art is part of collections around the world.
Over the last few years, Jim has volunteered at the St. George Children’s Museum, teaching watercolor classes to children ages 7–11. He continues to offer his critical thinking skills to the Southern Utah community by providing clinical oversight, teaching, and mentoring at Freedom Prosthetics and Orthotics in St. George, Utah.
We are deeply grateful for Jim — for his service to our country, his dedication to his craft, and his continued impact here at Freedom Prosthetics and Orthotics.
📸 Follow along all month as we share more stories honoring the incredible Veterans.
