Born in Hendrickson, MO on September 3, 1914, son of Edward and Louvina (Harris) Jewell. Honest and hard working, John was a man who believed in doing his very best, no matter what the circumstance. He helped his dad build the family cabin in Farmington before enrolling in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at the age of 19, where he built bridges and other structures. He continued to develop his carpentry skills throughout the years building several houses along the way. He loved woodworking and putting his skills to good use by making furniture for his home. John's desire to build things never waned. As recent as last year, he talked about buying a few tools to keep in his room so he would be able to work.

John served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 during WWII. He was a proud member of the Army 116th Engineer Battalion of the 41st Infantry Division, deployed to the Philippines, New Guinea, and Japan. John spoke often of his Army comrades and of his military experience, including the time he personally shook hands with General Douglas MacArthur. He was a lifetime member of the Puxico VFW Post No. 7822 and he would often don his VFW hat, adorned with an American flag and other patriotic pins, when he was being photographed.

After he was discharged from military service, John worked at the American Steel Foundry and a number of other companies prior to enrolling in a one year auto mechanics program in September of 1948. He also drove school bus while he attended classes. In 1950, after completing the program, he went to work for the Foster Division of Leggett & Platt bed spring factory in Saint Louis, where he stayed until he retired.

John enjoyed life. He was proud of his accomplishments and the respect he showed to others, especially to women. He was a white knight in every sense of the word. "You never raise your hand to a woman," he often said. But he also talked about how he would never run away from a fight if confronted unfairly. According to John, he wouldn't go "looking for a fight" but he also wouldn't back down from one either. Without question, he was a bit of a scrapper in his days, but only when provoked. A joke telling man with a mischievous grin and infectious laugh, John had an uncanny ability to shock the socks off the unsuspecting with his sometimes "off color" jokes. But once the initial shock subsided, he'd win them over with his "haha-gottcha "laugh. From the time he was a young man John loved to dance. He and Gladys would go dancing on a regular basis, even well into their 80s. Once Gladys was moved to a nursing home, John was inclined to entertain the staff and residents by demonstrating a few of his best dance moves. Although he liked to have fun, John was quite serious when it came to politics. He had definite opinions about the political process and where he felt the country was heading. He could sit and talk about politics for hours, even at the age of 98. John truly loved America and everything it stands for. He was an proud honorable man with a heart of gold.

Survivors include his beloved sister, Lorene; several nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Ann; wife Gladys; three sisters, Cleora, Minnie, and Ruth; two brothers, George and Walter, as well as one brother who died at birth. He was also preceded in death by several nieces and nephews. Cozean Memorial Chapel & Cremator