John Jewell North

John Jewell North, 91, passed away April 27th, 2024, in Knoxville TN at his home surrounded by his loving family. John was born October 24, 1932, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville, TN, and was raised by his beloved Aunt Fanny Lou and Uncle Charles Lewis in Cedar Bluff. He graduated from Farragut High School in 1952 and began classes at the University of Tennessee. In April of 1953, he joined the Air Force to proudly serve his country during the Korean War. He specialized in jet aircraft maintenance and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant during assignments to Strategic Air Command bases with the 55th Reconnaissance Wing in Topeka, Kansas, and North Africa. After his 4-year enlistment term he left the Air Force and completed his BS degree from the University of Tennessee in Agriculture which was consistent with his love of farming and working outdoors. During his work career, he led production operations at Jersey Farms, PET Dairies, Kays Ice Cream, and Kings Food Service. He retired in 1999 but continued to lead an active life. John spent his retirement years gardening, spending time on the lake with family, designing and building his lake house, and redesigning his home of 60 years where he lived with the love of his life. He loved challenges, games (especially cards), projects that kept him outdoors, biannual family vacations and holiday gatherings spent with his wife, 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and anyone else willing to join. He will be greatly missed until we are reunited in heaven. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jewell North (Smith); father, Walter Edwin North; stepfather, John Smith; brothers: Charles North, Jimmy North, and Ronnie Smith; and son-in-law Stacy Kitts. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Irwin North; their children: Cheryl Cartwright (Louis) of Maryville, TN; Walter North (Melissa) of Norris, TN; Sandra Hackworth (Stan) of Maryville, TN, and Brenda Leuthold (Craig) of Knoxville, TN and Grandchildren: Aarron Gray (Betsy) of Clinton, TN; Emily Byrd (Adam) of Chattanooga, TN; Alex North (Whitney) of Norris, TN; Andrea Krong (Jake) of Salt Lake City, UT; Allen Leuthold of Knoxville, TN; Andrew Leuthold (Nicole) of Memphis, TN; Wesley Kitts (Kendall) of Knoxville, TN; Casey Kitts (Laci) of Harriman, TN; Craig Leuthold (Amanda) of Lexington, KY; 14 Great-Grandchildren; and his sister, Carolyn McCaslim (Dale) of Halls TN. John and his wife Carolyn of almost 70 years were married May 15th, 1954, in the original Concord United Methodist Church located in old Concord, TN and continue to be lifelong members. John lived a long and fulfilled life. He felt blessed by his large and close family, and most loved time together with them. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his ability to find fun in whatever he did, and his dedication and loyalty to friends and family. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 3rd from 5-7pm at Concord United Methodist Church with a service to follow. Family and friends will gather at Concord Masonic Cemetery on Saturday, May 4th at 10:00am for a graveside service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Concord United Methodist Church CADES and Children’s building fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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John Jewell North

October 24, 1932 - April 27, 2024