When Jewell signed him from Peterborough in January 2003 for £275,000, he suspected he had a bargain on his hands.
Nearly three years on, the proof is there with the long run of games.
The manager puts Bullard's ever-present run down to being a quick healer and having a low boredom threshold, and is delighted he's reached this landmark appearance.
Jewell told the Evening Post: "This is a fantastic achievement. When Jimmy made his debut against Cheltenham 117 games ago, I bet he didn't think his 118th would come in a Premiership game at Aston Villa.
"It's a tremendous record to have and it's a testament to Jimmy that he has managed to play so many games without interruption.
"At times he can be a nuisance but he loves football and loves life, and I think he's only missed two or three days training in nearly three years.
"He's got annoyed with me when I've left him out of the odd cup game to give him a rest, that shows his approach to the game.
"There have been times when Jimmy has been injured, for example he got a terrible dead-leg against Middlesbrough last month but wouldn't come off.
"He rides tackles well, and fitness wise, there isn't an ounce of fat on him.
"Fortunately he is a quick healer because he gets bored after 10 minutes if he's not training. We've got some very fit players at the club and Jimmy is in the top five or six of that group."
Jewell had kept tabs on Bullard for some time leading up to his switch to Latics, eventually adding him to the squad as they chased the old Division Two title.
"He used to play in a five-man midfield for Peterborough and basically could do what he wanted," said Jewell.
"As a result he didn't have a defensive side to his game, he was a floater and liked to roam round the pitch.
"Since coming here, we've been doing a lot of work on his defensive responsibility, and this season we've moved him out to the right of midfield.
"I know he isn't a right winger, but he can be a bit less disciplined out there than he has to be when in the middle."
Bullard, who celebrates his 27th birthday on Sunday, will be featuring in a slightly changed midfield at Villa Park due to Lee McCulloch's absence through suspension.
The favourite to come in on the left is Alan Mahon, despite him being left out of Premiership games since August.
He started against Chelsea and Charlton, but his only action since was a run-out in the Carling Cup against Bournemouth.
Mahon, subject of a loan enquiry from Ipswich this month, played for the reserves against Liverpool on Tuesday and was substituted after an hour, suggesting his legs were being saved for Saturday.
Admission prices for next Tuesday's Carling Cup game against Watford have been reduced to £10 (£5 concessions).