BUCKLIN, KANSAS – James Preston Dewell, 87, died June 17, 2021, in Sanger, Texas.

He was born on October 14, 1933, the son of Ralph W. and Dorothy G (Shellhammer) Dewell near Utleyville, Baca County, Colorado.

The Dewell family returned from Colorado to Kansas in 1936, during the great Dust Bowl of the "Dirty 1930's" to Fowler, KS, eventually settling in Bucklin, KS, in early 1945.

Jim had many nicknames and endearments including J.P., Jimmy, Chick, Mr. D, and Choc. Jim was also well-known as "Farmer Jim" by a great many of the recipients of his generous gifts of fruits and vegetables.

In Jim's "spare time", he enjoyed his family, friends, reading, and being a lifetime learner. He was also passionate about golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening, and shared his knowledge with those around him.

Jim graduated from Bucklin High School in 1951. He was an accomplished athlete; a four-year letterman in football, track, basketball, and won the Kansas Golden Gloves boxing championship in 1950 and 1951. Jim demonstrated his creative side through his involvement in Men's Glee Club and Mixed Chorus. He also participated in Kays and was elected the Senior Class Vice President.

In August of 1952, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy. After basic training and aviation electronics school, he was assigned to VP-56 at Breezy Point, NAS Norfolk, Virginia, as an aviation electrician for PBM 5's and P5M 1's. In 1954, Jim was a part of OPERATION MAINBRACE, a NATO operation. Jim was honorably discharged in August 1960, as an Aviation Electrician's Mate, Petty Officer 2ND Class. After his military service, Jim earned an Associate Degree from Dodge City Community College (1958), Bachelor of Science (1960) and Master of Science (1964) from Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia, Kansas.

Jim taught at Coldwater High School (1962-1964), Concordia High School (1964-1966), Cowley County Community College (1966-1980), and Arkansas City High School (1986-1990). He taught and coached many subjects throughout his teaching career including speech, debate, drama, forensics, English, and directed numerous stage productions.

Other notable accomplishments and recognition include Kansas State Teachers College Theatre Departments' "Best Actor" Award (1955 & 1956), served as Chair of Humanities at CCCC, won multiple golf tournament trophies, established The J.P. Dewell Family Scholarship for the CCCC Endowment Association. He was also an NEA Life Member, American Legion Member, VFW Member, NRA Lifetime Member, Lifetime Member of the Maple Park Group (Arkansas City, Kansas), and Special Member of the Show-Me Group (Denton, Texas).

Before settling in Arkansas City, Kansas Jim married Vicky Lynn Graham on February 19, 1966, in Wichita, Kansas. Jim and Vicky celebrated fifty-five years of marriage together in February 2021. Jim is survived by his wife Vicky and his three children: Mary G. Moore, husband Jay and four children and one great-grandchild (Gentry, Arkansas); James P. Dewell, II and wife Francie (Topeka, Kansas); and Anna L. Dewell and two children (Ponder, Texas). Jim is also survived by his brother Raymond Dewell (Winfield, Kansas); sisters, Margaret "Mudge" Eaton (Lenexa, Kansas), Marceline Hoffman (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), Patricia "Pat" Fisher (Bucklin, Kansas).

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary Dewell, and four brothers, Alden (Duke), William (Bill), Lyman, and Halbert Dewell.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Minnis Mortuary, Bucklin, with Jeff Hiers officiating. Burial will follow in the Fowler Cemetery, Fowler, Kansas with military honors by the American Legion District 8 and Military Honors by the United States Navy . After the burial a reception will be held at the Fowler Senior Citizen Center. Family visitation will be held Thursday, June 24, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Minnis Mortuary, Bucklin, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, please forward memorial contributions to the J.P. Dewell Family Scholarship, Cowley College Endowment Association, or, The James P. Dewell Memorial Fund, in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.