Born on November 27, 1952, on Thanksgiving Day in Cedar Vale, KS, York was the son of Velma (Eggen) and Eugene Jewell. His early years were spent with his parents and brother, Calvin, in different communities, as his father was the Superintendent of schools in Shell City, Pilot Grove, Winona, and Lockwood, MO. Although he changed school districts several times, York still established deep roots and made life-long friendships everywhere he lived.
York graduated from Lockwood High School in 1971, and then attended Southwest Missouri State University for a year, before graduating from Missouri Southern in 1978. His college years were a period he often reminisced about, specifically his Kappa Alpha brothers and the time he spent listening to up and coming Rock n’ Roll bands while working at The Ranch in Galena, KS..
York began teaching in 1978 in Adrian, MO, where he taught and coached football and basketball for four years. It was in Adrian where he met his true love, Jeanne Howard; they were married on June 7, 1980, during one of the hottest days in Missouri history in an unairconditioned church. After their marriage, he taught in the Okmulgee, OK school district, for seven years. He was chosen by the state of Oklahoma to be among one of the first 30 educators to introduce technology education into schools. His time in Oklahoma was always special because that is where they welcomed their first child, Erin. The next ten years were some of his favorite, teaching welding, technology education and wood shop at Sherwood School District in Creighton, MO. During this time, York expanded his extracurricular duties to include coaching football and basketball, and started the school’s softball program. In addition to his expanding duties at school, he and Jeanne expanded their family, adding both a son, Brad, and daughter, Lauren. York ended his teaching career after 22 years at Raymore-Peculiar High School. Although he didn’t take on any additional coaching positions while at Ray-Pec, the extra time allowed him to coach his children in their favorite sports.
York had several passions in life, including sports, classic cars, music, and food; however, nothing could compare to the love and devotion he had for his family. Thousands of hours were spent in a gym, on a field, or near a court where the catchphrases, “Use the Backboard”, “You Betcha!”, and “The backboard is your friend” were often heard. These are phrases that are frequently repeated by his children and former athletes.
After retiring from teaching, York spent the last several years doing woodworking projects with his son-in-law, Bryan, gardening, watching birds, enjoying college basketball from his man-cave, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and also being anywhere that included his beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Noah, and Mason.
Everyone who came into contact with York immediately noticed his large stature; however, they soon recognized that his voice, personality, and heart were even bigger. He has been given several nicknames, including King Kong, Grizzly Adams, Gentle Giant, and Hagrid (York was mistaken for him during several Harry Potter movie premiers). However, his personality has most often been described as that of a teddy bear; he was generous, loving, funny, devoted, kind, and inclusive.
York was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Velma Jewell, bonus parents, Herb and Nila Howard, and brother-in-law, Phil Howard. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his children, Erin Burks (Bryan), Brad Jewell, and Lauren Jewell; and his precious grandchildren, Morgan, Noah, and Mason. He is also survived by his brother, Calvin (JoAn) Jewell; sisters-in-law, Jacque Howard and Kellie Howard; nephews David and Ryan Jewell, and nephews Logan, Landon, Grant, and Leven Howard. His surviving extended family includes a beloved aunt, a multitude of cousins, and friends who became family. Additionally, he leaves thousands of former students and athletes who will have lasting memories of the impact he had on their lives.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Peculiar United Methodist Church, Peculiar, Missouri.
Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Peculiar United Methodist Church, Peculiar, Missouri.
York was known to help others without ever expecting or accepting anything in return. In honor of his generous spirit and compassionate heart, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the York Jewell Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will help support students pursuing their education who may simply need an extra hand up - a reflection of the same kindness and encouragement that York so freely gave to others. Donations can be mailed to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.
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