On January 17, 1942, the world and the Lewis family were changed for the better as James Earl Lewis was born to his proud parents, Arvie D. and Gladys Lockett Lewis (Mur Dear).  He was who both preceded him in death, along with siblings Glory Benson (Billie), Tyrone Bernard Fields, George Fields, Sr., George Fields, Jr., Faye Kerr, Ruth Ann Fields, and Rosa Lee Fields Williams. He was also preceded in death by his Father and Mother-in-Love, Cornelius and Catherine Lee, and Brother-in-Love Arlandus Lee.

James (Jim) accepted Christ at an early age at Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church and has remained a faithful member until he transitioned. He graduated from "The Great James Madison High School" where he served in the ROTC. He matriculated to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas where he earned a Bachelor in Science in Accountant. Upon completion of his collegiate education he was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War for 6 years with an honorably discharged.

James returned to civilian life where he served as a member of the Human Resource team for a local Insurance Company for 20 years. He then transitioned to an Auditor for the Federal Department Insurance Company. After many years of governmental employment, he became self-employed paralegal. James retired in 2006 after over 40 years of a prosperous career. After retirement, he was a supervisor for the 2010 Census Bureau.

James' community service involvement includes, but is not limited to, volunteering as a mentor for the Dallas Independent School District for several years. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and exemplifies the characteristics of an Alpha man which can be summed up in seven words: versatile, scholarly, ambitious, gentlemanly, tenacious, obedient and deferent. In his leisure, he enjoyed watching sports. He took pleasure in talking with his grandson about the stats from the games. Jim lived a life of fun, laughter, and love.

In whatever career he held, Jim's goal was to always help people work to gain financial resilience.

James leaves to cherish his memory him devoted wife of over 47 years, Barbara; daughter, Kimberly Judge (Sean) of Virginia; grandchildren, Tanzie, Sydney and Aden Judge; brother, John Lewis (Helen); sister, Gladys Dickerson; brothers, Calvin and Aaron Fields; sister, Wita Taylor (James); a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends who will miss him dearly.