Mr. James "Jimmie" Lewis Jr.'s Obituary
James Edward Lewis, Jr. ("Jimmy") was born on October 20, 1950 to the late James Edward Lewis, Sr. and Hattie (Stringfellow) Lewis-Shadwick of Meridian, Mississippi. James was the first born son of four children to their un-ion.
James accepted Christ at an early age and united with Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He served his faith and church as a part of the Lost Gap Community.
James was educated through Meridian Public School System and graduated from T.J. Harris High School in 1968.
While at T.J. Harris, he played tuba in the band and also received certificates of carpentry and welding. The T.J. Harris band was a part of his heart beat and continued to influence his love of HBCU bands "Historically Black Universities and Colleges".
After high school, James enlisted in the United States Navy. After his enlistment expired, James returned home to Meridian where he met and married his wife Regina Hardaway Lewis. To this union, four children were born.
James' career was mostly in welding. He spent a large portion of his career working for Fairbanks Scales in Merid-ian, MS. James also worked for Boeing and later traveled the country as a welder. James was also a skilled carpen-ter, painter, and the owner of a lawn maintenance service.
Later in his spiritual journey, he joined Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. His love of music lead him to sing in the church's Mass Choir. Later, he would organize the Male Chorus under the pastoral leadership of Rev. W.C. Griffin. James served in several roles at Mt. Calvary: President of the Male Chorus, President of the Mass Choir, member of the Trustee Board, and an inspiration and light of positivity to the men of the church until his last days.
James was a loving man who had his own way of showing love. He was a doting father and an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather. He could often be seen at football games, weddings, graduations, and cheering activities for both his children and grandchildren.
James was an avid fishermän and loved football. He did not like to be kept inside; his hobbies and enjoyment were to be found outside. He would rather watch a game in person; hence he was a Meridian Wildcat fan. Thus, he could be found under the lights of Ray Stadium. He not only supported his children and grandchildren, but his nephews, nieces, and neighbors. Serving God, loving his family, working, and fishing was how James spent his life.
James peacefully went to sleep in the arms of Jesus on Monday, February 26, 2024 with his family surrounded by his bedside. James will not suffer anymore with pain, sorrow or worries. James was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Lewis, Sr. and Hattie Lewis Shadwick; his maternal grandparents, James Wesley and Jewel Stringfellow; his paternal grandparents, Willie and Josephine Lewis; two (2) grandchildren: Shibreshia McCoy and Jhoylin Lewis.
James leaves to cherish his life and honor his legacy his wife, Regina Lewis; four (4) children: J. Lamont Lewis (Kimberly), Reginald D. Lewis, Jammie D. Lewis, and Jerica R. Lewis-Lewis (Ashwun); ten (10) grandchildren; three (3) great-grandchildren; two (2) sisters: Patricia Ann Mitchell (G.B.) and Sandra Joyce Williams (Charles); one (1) brother: Lawrence Lewis; brothers-in-law: Dennis Hardaway (Gwen), Darylel Hardaway (Vickie), Randy Hardaway and LaMondia Hardaway; two (2) aunts, Daisy L. Louis and Ida Mae Stringfellow; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. James will truly be missed by all who loved him dearly.
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