James Jewett

James “Jim” Jewett, 86, of Grand Junction, passed peacefully on Nov. 30 at Regency Park of Jefferson due to lung cancer.

Jim was born on Feb. 20, 1934, at Boone County Hospital to Myron and Belva (Holz) Jewett. He grew up in Grand Junction and graduated from Grand Junction High School. He attended Iowa State University before being drafted into the Navy.

Jim met his future wife, LaVaras, when her sister, Lynnette, married Jim’s uncle, Robert Holz. Jim and LaVaras were married March 31, 1957, in Bronson when Jim was home on leave. The couple later returned to the family farm in Grand Junction where they remained and farmed until his retirement. In addition, Jim spent over 20 years selling seed corn for Garst Seed Company.

As a member of the Grand Junction Presbyterian Church, Jim served as an elder and trustee, taught Sunday school and was a member of the choir. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang for many weddings and funerals in the community.

Jim volunteered with the Grand Junction fire department for 17 years. He organized the men to take EMT training and helped design the first rescue/ambulance unit that was used by the department.

Jim was a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed fishing, hunting pheasant and ducks, and spending time at the family cabin at Pelican Lake in Minnesota. He had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for his vast repertoire of jokes.

Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Grand Junction Fire and Rescue.

Jim is survived by his wife, LaVaras; son Jeffrey (Barb) Jewett, of Mahomet, Ill.; daughter Jame (Jerry) Rehak, of Williston, N.D.; grandchildren: Jessica (Jordan) Reed, of Eau Claire, Wis.; Jason Jewett, of Mahomet; Justin Rehak, of Plymouth, Minn.; Kaitlyn Rehak, of Grand Forks, N.D.; and Parker Rehak, of Williston; great-grandchildren: Anessa and Emma Reed, of Eau Claire; four sisters: Janice (Purl) Partello, of Spirit Lake; Mary Beth Flook, of Ogden, Utah; Belva Ann (Don) Burig, of Tucson, Ariz.; and Trena Allen, of Phoenix; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Frank and Ottolene Downs; sister-in-law Lynnette Holz; brothers-in-law G. Lloyd Flook and Larry Allen; and niece Roberta Bidgood.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, is assisting the family.