James Gilbert Sewell

Published 8:21 pm Tuesday, March 29, 2011

PENDLETON James Gilbert Jim Sewell, 66, of Pendleton peacefully Monday, March 28, 2011, at his home with his wife and family at his side. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at the Pendleton Eagles Lodge, 428 S. Main Street, in Pendleton. Disposition was by cremation.

Mr. Sewell was born Aug. 24, 1944, in Wenatchee, Wash., to Clarence Gilbert and Eulila Margaret (Sargent) Sewell. He was raised in Hamilton and Pendleton, and graduated from Pendleton High School in 1962. He was the first Pendleton wrestler to qualify for the state tournament. After high school he worked for Boyd Coffee Company in Pendleton and covered Eastern Oregon.

He was married to Connie Jo Shoemaker for seven years; they later divorced. In 1971 he married Laurie Mae Sammie Robbins in Prosser, Wash. He worked for URM in Spokane, Wash., from 1974 until 1978 and opened up their food service department. The Sewells returned to Pendleton, where they owned and operated Circle S Barbecue for 28 years. He later worked for the Pendleton Convention Center kitchen for 12 years, and then owned Jims Frontier Tavern for three years.

Mr. Sewell is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sammie Sewell of Pendleton; sons Jim Sewell of Pendleton, Steve Sewell of Burlington, Wash., and Jason Sewell of Portland; daughter Tracey Miller of Pendleton; brother Bob Sewell of Maui, Hawaii; sisters Pat Schuening of Weston and Judy Morris of Pendleton; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant son Patrick Leslie Sewell.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Hospital Hospice, 1601 S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton, OR 97801.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements. Sign the condolence book at www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.