James Lewis Jewell Jr.

Jim was a firefighter and an author, as well as a loving husband and father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Jim was born in Tulsa on January 28, 1952, to Marion Mickey and James Jewell, Sr. He was younger brother to Gail, and older brother to Warren.

He graduated from Palos Verdes High School in Palos Verdes, California in 1971 and returned to Oklahoma to attend the University of Oklahoma. In 1974, he joined the Norman Fire Department and rose to the rank of captain before retiring in 1999. He took a few years off and wrote two novels before he worked an additional 15 years as a security guard at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History.

Jim lived in Norman for almost 50 years with his wife, Brenda, and children Laura and James. He was an avid tennis player and later, a golfer. He was active in his kids’ sports – coached baseball and t-ball, attended every swim meet, and always enjoyed playing outside with his kids.

He was funny and kind, got along with everyone, saw the good in everyone, and was proud to be involved in the Norman community in his roles with the fire department and museum.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife and his parents. He is survived by his children, Laura Jewell (Travis Bond) and James Jewell (Devon); his four granddaughters, Hollis, Annabel, and Daphne Bond and Bonnie Jewell; his sister Gail Jewell (Bob Rathbun); brother Warren Jewell (Sally); as well as many other family and friends.

The family wishes to thank his friends and caregivers at Arden Courts of Richardson for their years of dedication, compassion, and love.

A memorial reception will be held at Norman Fire Station 7 (2207 Goddard Avenue) on Sunday, May 17, 2026 3:00 pm -5:00 pm.