Michael W. Jewell Sr.

Michael William Jewell Sr. was the sort of man who would give you the shirt off his own back if you needed it, and not expect anything in return. Not that he was anyone’s fool, mind you. He just really cared about people, and that meant everyone with whom he came into contact. Mike hated being alone, but with his fun-loving nature, quick wit, and thoughtfulness to those around him, he seldom lacked company. Born and bred in Detroit, Mike spent his high school years at Pershing, swimming on the varsity team and spending even more time in and on the water during weekends with his sister Elizabeth, or as the family fondly called her Sis, and brothers Jim and Robert at their family cottage at Black Lake. Mike married his first wife, Joyce, shortly after high school, and was blessed with two wonderful children, Michael and Donna. His third child, Jamian, would arrive after his marriage to his second wife, Barbara. Mike adored his family, and he loved to reminisce about the large family dinners he enjoyed every Sunday when he was a kid. Although the loss of Michael and Jamian came as a blow to him, Mike relished time spent with family and friends, and positively adored his granddaughters, Brianna and Mary. Although Michael began his working life in the skilled trades, he ended up forging a career that was much more analytical. The United States Army, in which Mike honorably served his country, recognized his administrative abilities early, and placed him in the office. His daughter Donna fondly recalls his ability to delegate, as she was often tasked by her father with shopping for her stepmother’s Christmas gift. However, Mike’s first job was peddling papers, and he would remain interested in vehicles, though more motorized ones, throughout the rest of his life. Always a hard worker, Mike was a welcome addition to the Utica Replacement Parts, better known as URP, a business that his father had started. As much as he enjoyed working with family, he had an independent streak, and bowed out to his two older brothers in order to open his own gas station and repair shop before moving on again to office work at Volkswagen and then General Motors. Motor vehicles were not just a career for Mike, they were also his passion. He raced dirt bikes in his youth, and could faithfully be found watching NASCAR every Sunday. Mike also had non-motorized passions. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Mike and his many friends had a blocked tee time at Sycamore Golf Course. You had to have a thick skin to play with these guys, and Mike could dish it out as well as take it. There was always some money riding on the game, and competition could be intense. Despite the ribbing and joking, it was always a fun outing, and no hard feelings. Mike was also fond of the many trips he made with his friends to the wild rivers and lakes north of Thunder Bay. The gang would drive far into Canada before being flown even further north for a week of chasing northern pike and walleye. Closer to home, Mike loved trolling Lake St. Clair for walleye and perch with his friends and family, and was a life-long boat owner. When not on the lake or the golf course, Mike could often be found enjoying a convival drink with his many friends down at The Coachman on Auburn Road. But you didn’t have to be a close friend or in the family to enjoy Mike’s warmth and good cheer. After spending time at General Motors, Mike grew tired of the corporate world and longed to be his own boss again. The result was Jewell and Associates, a firm Mike started to help provide accounting and tax services. It was a natural progression for Mike, who loved the idea of working closely with others and helping them to solve their financial problems. Mike’s winning personality, sincerity, and head for figures ensured that the business grew rapidly and became highly successful. There aren’t too many secrets between an accountant and their client, and Mike could always be counted on to offer consolation and good advice, and he was a true friend to his many clients. Like all of us, Mike had his faults. In his later years, he gave up drinking and smoking and spent more time with his daughter at Riverwood Church. But whatever faults Mike had were overshadowed by his love for his family and a huge heart that was always there for everyone physically, emotionally, and financially. Even towards the end, Mike still took the time to get to know people, stop for a chat, and help out wherever he could, and he was friends with everyone in his condominium. If he could help someone out he most certainly would, and it was exactly that sort of love and sincerity which will keep him living on in the memories of all those whose lives he touched. Lovingly written by Beloved Michael's family will receive friends on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 2:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks East of Van Dyke), Utica. Visitation will start on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions are appreciated to Riverwood Community Church. Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Michael W. Jewell Sr.

August 9, 1942 - June 7, 2018