James Fewell

James Edward Fewell, of Groesbeck, Texas, passed away on August 18, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born July 25, 1938, in Waco, Texas, to Cecil H. Fewell and Ruth Sams Fewell.

James was a lifelong cattle rancher and businessman whose life was deeply rooted in his faith, the land, and the Groesbeck community. He graduated from Groesbeck High School in 1956, where he distinguished himself on the football field as a member of Dave Campbell’s inaugural Super Centex Team, joining the first class of players selected for what would become a longstanding annual tradition. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry.

James served in the Texas Army National Guard from 1957 to 1965, attaining the rank of Private First Class, and completed U.S. Army Field Artillery training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He was a member of the Texas Tech Alumni Association and Ranching Heritage Association, as well as a 50-year Master Mason of Groesbeck Masonic Lodge No. 354.

A lifelong cattle rancher, James had a deep appreciation for the land and its stewardship. When asked about the causes and beliefs most important to him, he named the conservation of natural resources, particularly water and land, freedom and justice for all, and racial equality. He loved animals, especially the many dogs he had throughout his life, and had a generous heart for helping people in need.

James served for 38 years on the Board of Directors of Farmers State Bank and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Mexia.

Among the memories from his children’s younger years were family fishing trips to the Heider Place, where James and “Mother,” as Shirley was affectionately known by the children, would take all six kids fishing together.

James was preceded in death by his father, Cecil H. Fewell; his mother, Ruth Fewell Jackson; his adoptive father, J. Franklin Jackson; his wife, Sue Ellen Fewell, whom he married on April 9, 1982; and his former wives, Shirley Killingsworth and Nelda June Fewell, the mother of his children.

Those left to cherish his memory include his brother, Robert Lee Fewell and wife, Shirley Fewell; his children, Sherrie McGilvray and husband, Michael McGilvray, Brett Fewell and wife, Wanda Fewell, James “Jimmy” Fewell and wife, Johnnie Gayle Fewell, and June Fewell Stone and husband, Kevin Stone; and his stepchildren, Keith Eaves, Misty Dingler, Angela Ryan, Sherri Berry, and Michael Garrido.

He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, James Franklin Fewell, Jami Fewell Adams, Scott Byrd, Wesley Byrd, Ashley Gerdes, Ryan Jackson Fewell, Nick Walker, Trey McGilvray, Chesney Couvillion, Laci Lowry, and Amy Freer; seventeen great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to Monico and Nora Cantu, Julie Provencal, Lucia Dusek, and the caregivers and staff of AccentCare Hospice for their kindness, care, and support.

A memorial service honoring James’s life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Mexia, Texas.

James leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, service to others, and a lifelong stewardship of the land he loved. His influence will live on through generations of his family, the people he helped, the community he served, and the land he cared for throughout his life.