John J. Jewell

John J. Jewell, 68, Akron, died at 1:47 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at his residence in Akron.

John was born Aug. 22, 1954, in Plymouth, to the late Lee George and Sarah Margaret (Ogden) Jewell. He married Rhonda Yazel on Aug. 25, 1979, in the Grace United Church of Christ of Culver. She survives.

In earlier years, John was an Eagle Scout and was an avid hunter and trapper. As a child, he attended the First United Church of Christ of Plymouth and the Grace United Church of Christ of Culver. He was a graduate of Culver Community Schools in 1972.

He bought the Phillips 66 Station in Mentone in 1978. He owned and operated J & J Auto Sales for over 30 years. During his working years, he had many customers and friends that frequented the station.

He loved watching television, especially sports. He was a collector of sports cards and had owned over 400 Corvettes in his life. He enjoyed many outdoor activities with his children including fishing, hiking, bicycling, and riding ATVs. John’s life changed drastically in 1998 after he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

He is survived by his wife Rhonda Jewell, Akron; son, Rory (Alisan) Jewell, Fort Wayne; daughter, Chaitra (Ryan) Adams, Akron; grandchildren, Gracin, Finley, Keaton, Jurnee, Berklee and one on the way; sister, Phyllis (Stephen) Bendzunas, Bluffton, S.C.; George (Kerry) Jewell, South Bend; brother-in-law, Mike (June) Yazel, Mentone; sister-in-law, Teresa (Jim) Jones, Brookston; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Justin and Cody Jewell; and mother and father-in-law, Harold and Ellanora Yazel.

Memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with a time for family and friends to share memories of John at 1 p.m.

A private family interment will take place in the Mentone Cemetery, Mentone.

Memorial contributions can be made in John’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box No. 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891 or to Gentiva Hospice.