Russell “Butch” Jewitt
Russell “Butch” L. Jewitt, IV, 52, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away on April 4, 2026, at Genesis Morrison House Hospice following a brief illness, but if you knew Butch, you know that’s not really how his story should start.
Butch’s story starts more like this…
Once upon a time, in the wilds of New Mexico, a young boy was raised in what can only be described as a real-life Tarzan origin story, no running water, no electricity, and probably more dirt than most people encounter in a lifetime. Born January 20, 1974, in Coshocton, Ohio, Butch didn’t stay “civilized” for long. His family moved west, where he grew up in a small, off the grid community, learning the ways of nature, survival, and at times questionable decision making.
If you picture a kid running barefoot, possibly in a loincloth, chasing animals and whatever else crossed his path… you’re probably not far off.
That upbringing stuck with him. It gave Butch a lifelong love of the outdoors, a tough-as-nails resilience, and a personality that could roll with just about anything life threw his way and life definitely tested that theory.
For example, there was the time he ate a cat food sandwich (yes, really) thanks to a prank. And then there was the “chocolate incident,” which turned out to be Ex-Lax. Most people would be traumatized. Butch? He laughed, probably shook his head, and kept right on going.
That was Butch, unshakable, positive, and always able to find humor in just about anything.
As he evolved from wild child to (somewhat) civilized adult, Butch worked for many years with Lively Drywall, put his creativity to use through art and drawing, and even earned his brown belt in martial arts, because apparently being raised in the wild wasn’t enough.
He was also a proud member of the Muskingum County Jeepers, where he fully embraced the fine art of “ducking” and the joy of Jeep life.
At home, his humor was just as legendary. His son Shamas would ask, “What are you making for dinner?” Butch would say, “Food.” When Shamas pressed, “What kind of food?” Butch would calmly reply, “The kind you eat.”
But beneath all the jokes and stories was what mattered most, his family.
Butch was a loving father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and friend. His grandchildren, Parker and Ariah, knew him best as “Pops,” and there was nothing he loved more than spending time with them. No matter what was going on in his life, even during his illness, he remained positive, present, and full of love for those around him.
Butch is survived by his father, Russell L. Jewitt, III; his three sons, Shamas Jewitt, Omeriah (fiancé Elizabeth Mathers) Jewitt, and Jobe (Tierra) Jewitt; his beloved grandchildren, Parker and Ariah Jewitt; his siblings, Tonyia (Jason) Ross, Brian (Melissa) Lundstrom, Charlotte (James) Ross, and Travis Jewitt; several nieces and nephews; and Jennifer Rosas, his former wife and the mother of his children.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanne E. (White) Jewitt, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
In accordance with Butch’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his remains will be scattered in the mountains of New Mexico back where his story really began. It feels fitting, honestly. If anyone belonged a little closer to the wild than the rest of us, it was Butch.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillis Combs Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses. To sign the online register book or send condolences, please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com.
And if you happen to look out into the mountains one day and feel like someone’s out there, barefoot, laughing, and still getting into a little bit of trouble… well, that’s probably him.
