Final Salute

Jimmie Earl Fewell, lovingly known by his family, friends, and neighbors as “Papa,” passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 96 years of age. Jim joins his wife Nancy, of nearly 71 years, in heaven in what was surely a reunion long-awaited. Jim was the proud patriarch, “the man, the myth, the legend,” the foundation of a family tree that extends close to 100. With 23 grandkids and 37 great-grandkids and counting at the time of his passing, he is missed beyond words. Jim was born on April 23, 1925 in Wainwright, Alberta, Canada to Peggy and Earl Fewell. He was the youngest of three children, raised in the central valley in the town of Livingston. He loved this country, and proudly served in the Navy during WWII as a Seabee from 1943-1946 and loved to sing their fight song. Following an honorable discharge, he enrolled at UC Davis, where he would meet the love of his life. Jim met Nancy at UC Davis in 1947 during a tennis match. Though both having very opposite backgrounds and upbringings, the saying, “opposites attract” could not have been more true. Their love and dedication to one another would be what would carry them through the many decades they shared together. Jim and Nancy married in 1947, moved to Marin, and raised their seven children together in their home in the Terra Linda neighborhood of San Rafael. The home and family that they built together housed numerous gatherings, pool parties, and foster children. During this time, Jim served as an engineer at Kaiser Terra Linda for nearly 30 years. Parallel to his unwavering love for his wife and children, he was the quintessential grandfather figure in the lives of his 23 grandchildren. Spending countless weekdays and weekends attending all of their sporting events, birthday parties, and graduations. He continued to do so as his grandkids started families of their own. Up until his passing, Jim spent many days at his favorite place… a sun-filled, American-flag-adorned chair, across the street from his home, often with a cigar in hand, a bloody mary, and dog treats and lollipops for those who passed by. He was known by his many neighbors as “The Los Gamos Greeter.” A member of “the greatest generation,” Jim was cared for selflessly by his own children daily. He is survived by his children: Tim (Barb) Fewell, Gary Fewell, Nandee (Tony) Soule, Laurie (Paul) Olson, Patty (Hoss) Parnow, Karen (Larry) Battaglia, Jim (Liana) Fewell, and June (Grant) Whited; 23 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. Jim’s family will be hosting a private celebration of life in early 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to By the Bay Health are preferred.
Published by Marin Independent Journal on Dec. 12, 2021.