James Allen Lewis

January 29, 1927 ~ April 10, 2017

Born in: Alachua, Florida
Resided in: Atlanta, Georgia

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Mr. James A. Lewis, Sr. passed away peacefully in Atlanta, Georgia April 10, 2017 at the age of 90.

He was born in Alachua, FL January 29, 1927 to the late Clyde and Ruby Lewis. He was the fifth of seven children and quickly learned the meaning of hard work on the family’s North Florida farm. During WWII he proudly served in the Merchant Marines and later in the Navy as an officer during the Korean War. After his military service, he attended and graduated from the University of Florida where he played baseball. He settled in his hometown of Alachua and married schoolteacher Jacqueline Smithson, his bride of 53 years. They worked together in the family farming and farm supply business for many years and raised two children – Lacey and Jim. Besides being a great husband, father,grandfather and friend, perhaps his greatest legacy is the leadership role he played in his beloved Alachua. He served on the City Commission for 42 years and was instrumental in creating the infrastructure for the city’s vibrant future. As a show of gratitude, the City Commission’s meeting room was renamed in his honor.

His wife Jackie preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by his daughter Lacey Lewis of Atlanta, his son James A. Lewis, Jr. (Jim), daughter-in-law Kim, granddaughter Jacqueline and grandson Jackson of Roswell. He’s also survived by legions of friends and relatives who were warmed by his easy smile and charmed by his legendary stories.

James or “Pop” was an unforgettable man. He saw opportunity where others saw obstacles. He was fiercely loyal, proud, brave and a little mischievous. He was a lifelong Florida Gator fan, an avid fisherman, golfer and cook (his Redfish Chowder has no equal) and he was a friend to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Detra Koon and the staff of Safe Haven Brookhaven who took exceptional care of him during the last years of his life.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at Piedmont Church, 570 Piedmont Rd., Marietta, Georgia 30066. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the the Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, 1762 Clifton Rd NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.