James Edward “Sonny” Jewell, age 89, passed quietly in the early morning of June 15th, at the Warroad Senior Living Center, from complications due to Parkinson’s disease.
Jim was born on May 15, 1935 at the Bay Hospital in Warroad, MN to parents James Bernard Jewell and Agnes Regina (Tveit). He lived North of Roosevelt in the Rocky Point area and attended Willow Creek, Prosper, and Williams Schools. He was active in track and field, running hurdles and relays. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1955-1959 and was stationed in Washington state from June – November 1959. This was where he met his bride of 64 years, Nancy, his “love at first sight.” They returned to MN shortly after they married and had two children in MN. A baby boy Scott, who was stillborn, and Brenda. They moved back to Washington where Jim farmed, raised rabbits, drove a school bus, and had two more children, Edward and Debra. On his return to Minnesota, Jim farmed, processed meat, became lead man at Marvin’s, and eventually owned and operated the Cash Market in Williams.
After retirement from Marvin’s, Jim became a Senior Companion and helped a number of individuals get to doctor’s appointments and became their close friend. He also served in The American Legion Post 371 in Roosevelt, and was Honor Guard who played bugle at a number of veterans’ funerals.
He attended Mount Carmel Lutheran Church as a youth and Bethany Lutheran Church as an adult. His faith was strong and gave him comfort in his last days.
Jim was always busy doing something. He loved being outdoors. Planting and taking care of the gardens gave him great joy. When his family was young, he had horses and spent many hours riding with his children. He loved to fish in any kind of weather and became a golf enthusiast. He loved and looked forward to the Tveit Family golf scramble each year. His nickname Sonny, came from the Tveit side of the family – in their presence, he was never called ‘Jim.’
Jim is survived by his wife Nancy Jewell (née Hull), daughters Brenda Nelson (Jeff) and Debra Baldwin (Mike), son Edward Jewell (Lori), 14 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Deloris Mersereau, and a brother David Jewell, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Scott “Sonny” Jewell, his mother Agnes Jewell (née Tveit), and his father James Jewell.
A visitation will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on Saturday, Jul 13, 2024 at 9:00am. The funeral, officiated by Pastor Rachel Johnson, will begin at 10:00am, with lunch to follow the service. Internment at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church cemetery, on Rocky Point Rd. just North of Roosevelt, will follow the meal.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Williams Senior Center, 145 Main St. Williams, MN, 56686 or to The American Legion Post 371, PO Box 157,Roosevelt, MN 56673.
Last modified: 07/08/2024
