James R. Lewis – Born July 27, 1957 in South Haven, James was the son of our city’s past mayor, Richard W. and Loris (Porter) Lewis. His death occurred March 14th at 59 years of age. Cremation has taken place and the family will be honoring his life privately in a memorial celebration.
James was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Hazel Lewis in Detroit and his father (2017). Survivors include his former wife and friend Linda Lewis of Zeeland, three children – Sara (Brian) Weiderman of Zeeland, Katelyn (Anthony) Ysquierdo of Jenison, and Ryan (Holly) Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, grandchildren – Braden, twins – Carter and Mason and Tanner Weiderman, Jackson Ysquierdo, and Zoey, brother – Richard W Jr. (Christine0 Lewis of Palm Coast, Florida, and children Amy, Richard W. III, Michael, and Gordon, sister – Lisa (Martin) Capaccio and Joel of Kalamazoo and Jena (Chris) Hodge of Kentwood, and mother – Lorie Lewis of South Haven.
A graduate of South Haven High School, James participated in swimming, tennis, and golf and played the trombone in the high school band. It is no exaggeration in listing his numerous talents and extraordinary accomplishments. While still in high school, he owned the area’s first CB sales business, operating from the basement in his family home. After graduation, his love of electronics led to the building of his own computer from a Heathkit and a year’s construction. This resulted in his keeping of records for several large companies in St. Joe. He owned and operated Lewis Electronics retail firm in the Lewis building, formerly South Haven Laundry on Kalamazoo Street, which he, his brother, and father remodeled into space for four other firms. In addition, James was a skilled sailor and helped his dad to charter a sailboat for cruises on Lake Michigan. This experience resulted in ownership of his own sailboat to operate on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.
Following surgery at Holland Hospital, Jim met and fell in love with Linda, his skilled and attractive surgical nurse whom he later married and moved to Holland. With the help of his father-in-law, James and Linda built their own home. Jim drove daily back to South Haven. An employee at Palisades Nuclear Power Plant as an electrical planner for twenty years after which, in Holland, he operated a computer business of restoring and then selling these units at a bargain.
Approximately ten years ago, life for Jim changed dramatically. His beloved father, with whom he shared so many interests, died. Plus an illness previously diagnosed flared up and as his doctors had predicted would be progressive in time. Soon his mobility diminished. Ina short time, pain increased, and for the past six years, narcotics were the only relief available and these drugs “ruled his life!” Then, a fall causing a broken hip, combined with the side effects of the drugs, forced him into a wheelchair. After exhaustive testing showed the diagnosis of MS, he became more disabled and physically challenged. Finally, after many falls, he was bed-ridden. He had been living in South Haven in a basement apartment at his mother’s home where she had been his caretaker.
Jim’s sister, Lisa, caring about his well-being and ability to heal, and after extensive research, became a licensed care giver in the use of medical marijuana capsules for severe pain relief. For the past year, James has had very little discomfort. He died peacefully and his other family members are especially appreciative of Lisa’s devotion, efforts and dedication. In addition, there have been many friends and neighbors who assisted Jim whenever needed – the family thanks you!
All of us can benefit from observing Jim’s never complaining, characteristic courage and his continual determination to go Scuba diving and sailing again…
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Funeral Home, South Haven.