Thomas J. 'T.J.' Jewell Obituary (1921 - 2016)

Thomas J. "T.J." Jewell 95 of Glasgow passed away Wednesday, April 06, 2016 at his home. He was born in Glasgow, KY March 12, 1921, the son of the late Garner M. and Ruth Carver Jewell. T. J. served 20 years active duty in the U. S. Navy and inactive reserve for 10 years. He served with the Pacific fleet during WWII. In the years after his retirement he tried to talk young people into enlisting in some branch of the service and several did. He moved back to Glasgow in 1959 and helped his father and brothers in the oil drilling business while waiting for the Glasgow Municipal Airport to open. He leased it from the city for 21 years, training private, commercial, twin engine and instrument rated pilots. He had 121 students to receive their pilot's license under him. He was also licensed to do airplane inspection and relicensing. He did lots of commercial flying for factories and charter flying for private individuals. A few months ago a friend asked if he would like to fly again and he replied, "If I could get into a plane, I'd still be flying." He turned in both his pilot's license and instructor's license at the age of 82. He joined Faith United Methodist Church in 1967 and attended until no longer physically able. T. J. enjoyed traveling and he and his wife Mira took granddaughter Melissa to all 50 states, 4 Canadian provinces and across the border into Mexico. Granddaughter Rhonda traveled some with them as well. He lived life to the fullest until three years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the disease courageously but the cancer was too aggressive. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. We are all forever grateful for all he did and all the love he has shown each of us. We will always love and miss him. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers Woodrow, Rodney, George, Neal and Gene Jewell and 2 sisters Irene Britt and Mildred Jewell as well as his first wife Ada Jewell. Survivors include his wife Mira Dixon Jewell; 2 daughters Teresa (Ronnie) Grimsley and Laura (Donny) Garmon of Glasgow; 4 grandchildren Rhonda (Willie) Westmoreland of Summer Shade, Melissa Jewell of Glasgow, Shelly (Gary) McIntyre of Summer Shade and David (Hannah) Grimsley of Bowling Green; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 brother Harry (Lou Jean) Jewell of Austin; 3 sisters Ruth Barton and Follis Jewell of Glasgow and Shirley (Wallace) Devasher of Bowling Green; 2 sisters-in-law Sarah Jewell and Bea Jewell, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, April 10th at A. F. Crow & Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery with military honors provided by D.A.V. Chapter 20 of Glasgow. Visitation will be Saturday from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm and Sunday until time for services.