James "Sonny" Oliver Sewell

James Oliver Sewell "Sonny", age 93, passed into his Savior’s arms at 3:05 am Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Claremore, Oklahoma. Sonny was born on April 26,1931, in Coweta, Oklahoma to James Everet and Emma (Oswald) Sewell. 

Sonny attended Coweta schools all his life and graduated at the top of his class. He served in the United States Army and later completed his education earning a bachelors degree at NSU in Tahlequah, Ok. After college he went to American Samoa to be a teacher. He was offered the job as secretary to the governor of Samoa only six months later. He continued in that role for 9 years. He helped two young Samoan boys complete their education in the states. They both attended Coweta high school. 

Sonny adopted one of the Samoan students, Penei. As a result, he has a large extended Polynesian family. When Sonny retired from American Airlines, he moved to Utah to live with his grandson, Gabriel. He relocated back to Coweta in his declining years to live with his brother, Ted Sewell, and sister-in-law Martha. The last 3 years he has lived in Claremore at the Veterans home. 

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Emma Sewell, his sisters Berneice Hatfield and Pauline Spangler. He is survived by his son, Penei (Adrienne), sister, Glenda Henson, his brother Ted Sewell (Martha), his nine grandchildren; Sheronne Roberts (Edward), Gabriel Sewell (Arlene), Phyllis Amosa-Sewell, Jeffrey Sewell (Kiona), Michael Sewell (Sailau), Leyonne Sewell, Adrienne Sewell, Susanna Sewell, Penei Sewell, his great grandchildren; Lausii, Laisene, Leato, Lionel, Gabriella, Gabriel II (Lalolagi), Nephi (Maddie), Penei (Isabelle), Noah, Solafua, Ruben, Rianne, Sina, Jeffrey, Julian, Michaela, Isaac, Zander, Noel, Rayden, Kohlda, his great-great grandchildren; Lagilelei, Gabriel III, Lumaava, Taua “Sonny Boy”, Ziah, Irie Aroha, Malachi, Mila Belle. He has a long list of nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Sonny certainly lived a colorful and adventurous life, with so many stories to tell, and was loved by all. 

 Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of James Oliver Sewell entrusted his care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK, 74429, 918-486-5515.