A former Crothersville couple were killed on I-65 between Austin and Scottsburg Sunday afternoon.
James C. Jewell, 83, and Thelma E. ‘Jackie’ Jewell, 84, of Austin died at the scene.
The accident occurred shortly before 1 p.m. around the 32 mile marker when the Jewells were nothbound on I-65 in a 2003 Toyota pickup truck when they were struck from behind by a Ford Ranger drive by Jennifer Just, 30 of Borden. The impact caused Jewell to lose control of his vehicle, cross the median and come into the path of a southbound semi tractor-trailer driven by Kendall W. Kraft, 48, of Austin, MN. Kraft veered to the right but was unable to avoid the oncoming pickup truck. His semi unit ended among trees along the west side of the interstate.
The other drivers were not injured.
Southbound traffic was re-routed off the Uniontown and Corthersville exits while authorities investigated the accident.
Funeral arrangements for the Jewells are pending at Adams Funeral Home In Crothersville.
Trooper Nathan Teusch of the Indiana State Police said the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Agencies assisting at the scene: Scottsburg Fire Department, Scott County EMS, Scott County Coroner, Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Scottsburg City Police Department, Austin Police Department and INDOT.
Thelma ‘Jackie’ Jewell, 84, and James ‘Jim’ C. Jewell, 83, of Austin, formerly of Jackson County, died at 1 p.m., Sunday, December 13, 2009 in a fatal car accident on I-65 beween Austin and Scottsburg.
Jackie worked at Morgan’s in the cafeteria for twelve years starting when she was 17-years-old, then worked at the old U.S. Shoe Factory packing heels for 15 years.
Born on December 15, 1924 in Lancaster, Kentucky she was the daughter of the late Willie G. and Fairie G. (McLeara) Masters.
James worked at Morgan’s Packing Company in Print Dept., Wehauerser factory that produced milk cartons, and then worked for Cummins Engine Company for 21 years retiring in 1987 as an order filler.
He served in the United States Army enlisting on July 3, 1944 and being honorably discharged on May 25, 1946.
Born on April 19, 1926 in Athel, Kentucky, he was the son of late Lee and Maggie E. (Palmer) Jewell.
On November 2, 1946 at the home of Walter Mosley in Uniontown, James and Jackie were married.
They are survived by a son, Larry C. Jewell of Union City; a grandson, Michael (Penny) Jewell of New Lebanon, Ohio, two great-grandchildren, Josh and Taylor Jewell of New Lebanon, Ohio,
Jackie is survived by a brother C.J. (Mary) Masters of Crothersville.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Harlan, Herbert and Leaford Masters; six sisters, Naltia Browning, Opal Vanscoy, Mary Eula Roberts, Jewell Frazier, Betty King and a stillborn infant.
James is survived by a brother, Hershel H. (Deloris) Jewell of Scottsburg; a sister, Marie Barnes of Crothersville.
He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Brown Eugene, Kerney, and Conley Jewell two sisters, Nazie Brandenburg and Neddie Begley.
Visitation will be today (Wednesday), Dec. 16, from 3- 8 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Crothersville and after 9 a.m. on Thursday to time of the funeral.
Pastor Billy Joe Deaton will conduct funeral services for the couple at 11 a.m tomorrow (Thursday), Dec. 17, from Adams Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crothersville Cemetery.
Memorials can be given to Crothersville Cemetery c/o Adams Funeral Home.
