Austintown- John J. Jewell, 57, peacefully passed from this life on April 28, 2017 at Hospice House in Poland, OH.

He was born on December 31, 1959 in Warren, OH, a son of the late Dean and Anna Jewell.

John was successful football player, first for John F. Kennedy High School where he lettered in football and track.  John still holds the discus record at John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, OH.  Then he received a full scholarship to Kent State University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Industrial Management. After college, he played professionally with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL for 3 years, where he started at guard. His teammates included Kent Hull, Brian Sipe, Doug Flutie, and Herschel Walker.

After his playing career ended, he worked for Merrill Lynch and private equity firms. He became the majority stockholder of Paragon Plastics in New Kensington, PA and helped revive the company. He finished his business career at National Industrial Lumber Company in North Jackson, OH.

In addition to his athletic career, John was a lifelong sports fan. John supported his son John when he played football at Mentor High School and the University of Dayton. He enjoyed watching his daughter Rachel's swim meets at Mentor High School and her water polo matches at Ohio University. He supported his nephews Dean and Ryan, who played football at Warren Harding High School, as well as Youngstown State University. He often hosted YSU football players at his home. He was not only a season ticket holder for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also an avid fan. John enjoyed boating, especially on Lake Erie. John had a big heart and made friends everywhere he went. As a New Year's Eve baby, his birth date matched his festive personality.

He is survived by a son, John Jewell of Chicago, IL and a daughter Rachel of Fort Mill, SC, ex-wife Nancy Jewell of Ft. Mill, SC, along with a brother Dean (Sandy) and sisters Grace (Robert) Bacot, Cecilia (Dale) Janus, as well as nieces, Laura (Sam) Crank, Aimee DeCarlo, and nephews, Dean Jewell, Ryan (Tish) Jewell, and Jeffrey Janus. He also left several great nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents.

John has donated his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at Boston University to study the effects of traumatic brain injury from playing football. Football was his lifelong passion and he hopes his donation will help future players.

Memorial calling hours will be Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Rd. NE, Warren, OH 44483.

A mass of the Resurrection will be Friday at 4:00 p.m. at the church with Rev. John Lody officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St. Youngstown, OH 44512 or the YMCA, Attention Tom Atwood, 5900 Quail Hollow Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210.

Arrangements are being handled by the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd. NE Warren, OH 44483.

Family and Friends may visit. www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to the Jewell family.