James A. "Jim" Lewis was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on January 28, 2008. With grace and humor, he valiantly fought cancer until he transferred to his new assignment in Heaven.

Jim was born and raised in Yakima. At 7 years old, he decided on a military career. After membership in the Civil Air Patrol and graduating from Davis High School, Jim joined the Air Force. Jim was a member of the Air Force's Flying Rifles drill team. He worked in the Air Maintenance Squadron with fighter jet electronics and flight simulators, but cross-trained in Munitions Maintenance during the Vietnam War. He proudly, and with honor, served his country for 27 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant.

In 1960, Jim married Charlotte Connell. The couple raised two children. He was a lifeguard, ham radio operator (call sign W7ZGA), and loved fishing and camping. But above all Jim loved his Savior and his family.

While still enlisted, Jim also served as an Assemblies of God minister. Upon retiring, he earned his 2-year Associate Degree and Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Studies from Yakima Valley Community College. With his ordination, he became a counselor for Teen Challenge in Yakima. Jim was active in Men's Ministry, Sunday School, Royal Rangers, and the Frontier Camping Fraternity. He was a bus driver for the Yakima School District, and driver and custodian for the Lewiston School District in Idaho.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Nora (Worrell) Lewis; father, Chester Lewis; and brother, Richard A. Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte L. Lewis of East Wenatchee, WA; daughter, Lisa G. Lewis of East Wenatchee; son, James C. Lewis of Waynesboro, VA; sisters, Lenora Cook of Tacoma, WA and Dorothy Tyler of Lacey, WA; brother, Sterling Lewis of Yakima; and four grandchildren. Jim Lewis was a godly, honorable man who was loved and respected for his calm wisdom, fairness, and sense of humor.

Funeral services will be at 1 P.M. Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Keith and Keith 9th Avenue Chapel. Burial with military honors will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Children's Hospital in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima, Avenue Yakima, WA 98902, with whom the arrangements are entrusted.