Dr. James Pearl "Jim" Lewis

Dr. James Pearl "Jim" Lewis was born November 3, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio to Paul and Deba (Morgan) Lewis. James had four brothers: Chet (deceased) (Diana), Walter (Yvonne), Paul (Nancy) and Ken (Raye). An intelligent, adventurous, and hardworking child, James enjoyed building model rockets, science experiments, and exploring the alleys of Dayton. Raised in poverty, James began working as a child, delivering newspapers and working as a bagger to help his mother to afford groceries. He fondly remembered time spent with his brothers and visiting his grandparents and extended family in Hayden, Kentucky.

James was an excellent student and graduated as Salutatorian from Stivers High School in 1966, after which he received a full academic scholarship from the University of Dayton. He was interested in physical fitness and weight lifting and competed on his high school and college gymnastics teams, becoming one of the top three gymnasts in the state on the Rings.

James was inducted into Stivers High School's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. After a few years of teaching science and physical education, James attended medical school at the Ohio State University, graduating summa cum laude and earning the prestigious Russoff award. He then went on to practice medicine - mainly in the ER - for nearly forty years. James provided lifesaving and compassionate care at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Stouder Hospital in Troy, St. Rita's in Lima, and Blanchard Valley in Bluffton, Ohio. James said that he worked in emergency medicine because he felt it was his calling, he enjoyed the variety and unpredictability and most of all he loved helping others when they needed it most. 

Later in life, James also provided health care to the local Amish community, making house calls and often refusing to accept payment in return. James married his high school sweetheart, Kathy (Shelton) Lewis-Day, in 1970. They were proud parents to a daughter, Heather Herman, and a son, Todd Lewis. James also had one beloved grandchild, Shelby Arnett. Though James and Kathy divorced, later in life they renewed a friendship; Kathy and her husband, Dan Day were helpful and giving during his long convalescence. James was forever curious, and pursued hobbies like scuba diving, gardening, riding motorcycles, travel, and building fireworks. Many friends and relatives enjoyed coming to his large firework displays on the Fourth of July, his favorite holiday. Twice in his life, James entered burning buildings to help people inside before firefighters arrived, saving two women and two children from house fires. He wanted no credit for this bravery, as he felt that God had led him to those in danger and that he was "only the instrument". His family lovingly remembers James as a compassionate, fun-loving, witty, creative and generous man who will be greatly missed. 

James flew free of his Earthly life on August 9, 2024 after a lengthy convalescence following a traumatic brain injury. James had no doubt of an afterlife and believed that all life is connected; he said that death was only a return to God and to the lifegiving energy from which we all have been created. Flowers, especially his favored roses, are appreciated and can be sent to Newcomer Funeral Home, Beavercreek.

Donations in his name to Hospice's Celebrate Life program at www.celebratelife-foundation.net or to bradyunited.org to combat gun violence are also appreciated. 

A memorial honoring James' life will be held at Newcomer Beavercreek Chapel, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Road on September 16, 2024 at 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:00). His family wishes to express our great appreciation for those friends and relatives who stood by us and our beloved "Jimbo" in his time of need. Special thanks to James BellaCare Hospice team and to attorney Bruce Brimley for acting temporarily as James's legal guardian - ensuring that he was protected from further physical, emotional, and financial abuse.

"The cure of every illness can be found in nature, but the cure for death can be found in God." - J.P.L.

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