America Jane's Pearls of Wisdom: A Handbook for Constructive Living by Thomas K. Ewan and J. Dave Johnson. After his wife, America Jane Massingale Ewan, became ill, Tom Ewan found an outline for a manuscript she had started many years ago. The title does not direct a person's attention to what is the real message of the book. The authors never intended the book to be another "self help" message. From Jane's "seed ideas," they envisioned the writing as an effort to sensitize people, both young and old, to the strengths (virtues) that they already have to live a constructive life. America Jane's specific purpose it is to encourage people.

In a blink of an eye a special generation will be leaving us-a generation of Americans that witnessed and experienced several wars, the Great Depression, and advances in technology the likes of which the world had never seen before.

The authors of America Jane's Pearls of Wisdom, Tom Ewan and Dave Johnson, are shining examples of this extraordinary generation. Their insights wrapped in entertaining stories clearly mark the stepping stones to wisdom and living successful and worthy lives. We have much to learn from these exceptional men.

Jane Ewan, 90, of Daingerfield, Texas, died Saturday, September 1, 2007. Mrs. Ewan was born April 25, 1917, in Cordell, Oklahoma. She was a member of Cumberland Presbyterian Church and charter president of P.E.O. of Daingerfield. Survivors include her husband, Thomas K. Ewan of Daingerfield; two sons, Ken Ewan of Georgetown, Texas, and Sam Ewan of Dallas; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.