James “Jimmy” F. Lewis

Mr. James F. “Jimmy” Lewis, 74, died April 12, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Calhoun City. The funeral service will be Friday, April 16, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Wes Hughes officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. at the church. Burial will follow in Yellow Leaf Cemetery.

Mr. Lewis was born in Memphis, TN to the late Sherman and Edith Lewis. He honorably served his country as a Sergeant E-6 in the Army National Guard. He was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and a former mason. His fearless spirit led his adventurous lifestyle and created a love for motorcycle riding.  As one of the few hot air balloon pilots in the area, he commanded countless flights in his prized balloon, “FoxFire”. His family laughs recalling that he never left an aluminum can uncollected, whether from his kitchen or the side of the road, always waiting for the time their value would skyrocket. He raised his children as a walking example of hard work while owning his own construction company, rarely taking days off to rest or relax. However, he knew the memories made with his family were important and appreciated the times they got away to Florida to relax on the beach and deep sea fish.

Survivors include his wife, Anita Lewis of Oxford; two daughters, Tammy Lewis of Oxford and Machelle Howard and her husband, Greg of Oxford; a son, Michael Lewis and his wife, Jennifer of Oxford; eight grandchildren, Kelly Person, Ashley Bishop, Mickey Lewis, Deseray Lewis, Troy Lewis, Kala Wheeler, Samantha Coleman and Catherine Howard and five great-grandchildren, Rhett Coleman, Kinslee Coleman, KJ Means, Aleya Person and Madeline Kay Lewis.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Lewis’ memory may be made to Gideons International,  www.gideons.org/donate.