Jim R. Lewis

 Obituary for Jim R. Lewis

written by Marilyn Cox

August 22, 1936 – August 21, 2015

Jim R. Lewis passed away at his Montrose home on Friday, August 21, 2015, just one day short of his 79th birthday. He was born August 22, 1936 in Redrock, Oklahoma to Clarence and Elaine (Gripe) Lewis. Jim spent his childhood in Oklahoma, Colorado and Montana where he graduated from high school.

As a young man, when his children were small, Jim served with the California National Guard as a “week-end warrior”.

At the age of 17, he started working for high profile trucking companies, which he continued for many years from northern to southern California. He was president of G. I. Warehouse and director of operations of G. I. Trucking Company in Los Angeles while living in Mission Viejo. Jim arrived in Grand Junction, Colorado on his birthday in 1985, became supervisor of the large City Market warehouse, then stepped down to be a worker before retiring at the age of 62.

Jim married Valerie Elizabeth James on December 13, 1975 in Orange County, California. They enjoyed 40 years together, traveling, enjoying family times and building a new home in Montrose in 2005.

Jim was a country boy at heart. He loved fishing and going to the mountains. He will be missed in his neighborhood where he was seen walking his dog every day. He loved his books and was very talented at relief wood carving, being a member of the local wood-carvers. Most of all, he loved being home.

Jim had two daughters from a previous marriage. Yvonne Lewis lives in Vancouver, Washington while Brenda Lee York and her husband Ron live in Sherwood, Oregon. He had two grandchildren, Kayla Marie York and Tanner York.

In addition to his wife Valerie, daughters and grandchildren, Jim is survived by his brother Daniel Lewis and wife Peggy, Rochester Hills, Michigan; his sisters, Donna Fisher, Vancouver, WA; and Esther Peden,Wyoming.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 28, 2:00 p.m. at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Warrior Resource Center, in honor of all veterans, 11 S Park Avenue, Montrose, CO or to the Montrose Animal Shelter, 3383 N Townsend, Montrose, 81401.

All arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory.