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James Jewell, an Indiana native who taught speech at Illinois Valley Community College for a quarter century, began his Stage 212 career performing the role of Emcee in the 1972 Summer Musical, Cabaret. It was a relationship that would last a lifetime.
Jim acted in a total of 15 Stage 212 productions and directed 11 others. He also edited the 212 newsletter for 17 years and served on the Management Board. In 1991 he was awarded the Joan Grabowski Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Theater in Illinois.
A prolific writer, Jim authored the standard reference book “Broadway and the Tony Awards: The First Three Decades” and the play, “Milo Lookingale”, which had its premier performance at Stage 212.
Jim died at age 49 in 1994. He left Stage 212 a significant bequest, which became the seed money for the acquisition of the new theatre at 700 First Street, LaSalle. The building’s performance space is dedicated in his honor as “The Jim Jewell Auditiorium.”
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Judith A Young (McCloskey)
You were a nice guy in school and you'll be missed dearly.
Constance L. Hanes (Young)
JIm became a friend of mine when he we were both in Mr. Purkheiser's theatre class. He came alive when he was on stage. He was a very nice guy and was always looking out for otheers.His legacy does not surprise me as he was a gifted artist and a talented writer. Jim, thank you for all that you did for the theartre community. You are still a star!
Stephen S. Heine
I did not know James well but he was always kind and caring to me and always said uplifting about his classmates. He was truly a talented young man and he will be missed by his classmates.
Susan K. Housholder (Johnson)
Jim and I were in homeroom together, and though I didn't know him real well, we often exchanged good mornings and how are yous. I remember him as quiet, somewhat shy, and very gentle and kind. He was active in theater, and it was on stage that he came alive - I saw him there as a very different person from the one I met first thing each morning. He was also very active in journalism and wrote for the newspaper and yearbook, providing all of us with information about the theater activities that he so enjoyed. I didn't see or hear of or think about Jim for a long time after we graduated, but one day, climbing the hill at Lindenwood Cemetery to bury my father, I came across Jim's grave site. I stopped dead in my tracks and instantly found myself back at school - in room 314. For years now, every time I have visited my parents gravesites, I have visited Jim, too. I often wondered where life took him, how or why his life was cut short. I am so grateful to know how happy a life he had and what wonderful gifts he was able to share with so many. When I stop by his grave site this spring, I will take good wishes from all of us and thank him for the happiness he brought to so many. Rest in peace, Jim. I know you are still smiling.