Jim P. Lewis Sr. 96, of Paducah was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at 7:27 P.M. surrounded by his loving family.
He was a loving husband, married for 70 years, to his bride Hazel Lewis, who was called home three years earlier. He has three children: Sharon Miller (Ron) of Lebanon, Ohio, Linda Walker (Walter) of Franklin, Tennessee, Jim P. Lewis, Jr. (Susan) of Paducah; his nine grandchildren, Tammy Sparks (Darrin) of Lebanon, OH, Lori Hunt (Chris) of Killen, AL, Matthew Lewis of Paducah, Anna Wood (Jeff) of Arlington, VA, Michelle Hardin (Dru) of Paducah, Jennie Falletti (Jim) of Thompson Station, TN, Elizabeth Lewis of Paducah, Andrea Rhodes of Paducah, John Walker (Natalie) of Jacksonville, FL; twenty one great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.
At the age of thirteen, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He lived his life sharing the Gospel of Christ and his family is secure in knowing he will spend eternity in heaven with his Savior.
He was a member of Olivet Baptist Church for almost 70 years, serving in many areas as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and trustee. He was also a member of The Gideon Paducah East Camp for 49 years. James and Hazel would do programs for seniors in assisted living and nursing homes in Paducah and Southern Illinois, sharing the Christmas and Easter message of Christ. They participated in the jailhouse visitation ministry and other ministries throughout the community. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force near the end of World War II and spent 20 years as a masonry contactor building many homes, churches, schools and businesses. Jim served as a real estate agent and broker for over 50 years. He started Jim Lewis Realty and was well known for his real estate service throughout the community. After retirement, he was employed at U.S.E.C. for several years.
Mr. Lewis never met a stranger and he loved sharing the good news of Jesus. He would take time to ask a waitress, salesclerk, a person shopping or waiting in line, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior and if you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity?” His family and friends will remember his commitment, miss his voice, and most of all his prayers that he covered them with.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mack Octavis Lewis and Lottie Mae; his stepmother, Pearl and his brothers, Mack Jr., Lindy, Morris and stepbrother, James Simpkins.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Bro. Wiley Godfrey officiating assisted by Pastor Chris Prescott. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will follow at Newton Creek Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, December 3, 2021 and 10:00-11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contribution to The Gideon International Paducah East Camp, P.O. Box 8436 Paducah, KY 42002-8436 or Olivet Baptist Church, 5186 Hinkleville Road, Paducah, KY 42001.
The Lewis family wishes to express their great appreciation to the nursing staff of Dept. of Labor and Mercy Health Hospice care.
You may show your support at www.milnerandorr.com and send a “Hug from Home” balloon message.