James Craiger Lewis

James Craiger Lewis, 94, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 4, 2017. Jim grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where he attended West End Elementary and West End High School before entering the Engineering School at the University of Alabama in the fall of 1940. In 1942, Jim left the University and joined the United States Army Air Force to enter pilot training. After graduating from flying school, he was an instructor for a year and spent his last years in the service flying B-29 bombers in the Pacific.

Upon returning to inactive reserve status in 1946 he re-entered the Engineering School at the University of Alabama and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. In 1949, along with his brother, who also is an engineering graduate of the University, he started a manufacturing business and enjoyed steady growth until he was recalled into active service at the outbreak of the Korean War. After nearly two years of service in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command, he was discharged and returned to Birmingham to begin again.

In 1954 he started a construction company and over the next fifteen years his companies developed large tracts of land and constructed and marketed over two thousand homes and apartments. Mr. Lewis' company then re-directed its primary emphasis toward commercial construction and development; erecting office, retail, condominium and resort developments throughout the southeastern states and Colorado. Mr. Lewis was a past president of the both the Greater Birmingham Association of Homebuilders and the Alabama Homebuilders Association and a director of the National Association of Homebuilders. He was inducted into The Alabama Homebuilders Hall of Fame in 1990. Mr. Lewis was also a past member of the Board of Trustees of Cumberland College, Lebanon TN. He was one of the organizers of the City National Bank of Birmingham and served on its Board of Directors for fifteen years, as well as serving on the Board of its holding company, The Southland Bankcorp. A life-long pilot, Mr. Lewis instilled the love of flying into both of his children and several of his grandchildren.

Mr. Lewis was a member of the Capstone Engineering Society at the University of Alabama, the Newcomen Society, and the President’s Council at the University of Alabama, The Country Club of Birmingham, Vestavia Country Club, and The Monday Morning Quarterback Club. He was preceded in death by his parents Taylor Bright Lewis and Agnes Craiger Lewis, brother Taylor Bright Lewis, Jr. and sister Frances Lewis Etheredge. An adored husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Jennings (Jennie) Hatfield Lewis, daughter Elizabeth Lewis Santangelo (Luke), son James Hatfield Lewis (Malinda), and six grandchildren: First Lieutenant Sage Jennings Santangelo, USMC, Tess Anne Santangelo, Brook Elizabeth Santangelo, James Tyler Lewis, Evelyn Lewis Corey (Doug), and Stewart Hatfield Lewis. He is also survived by his brother, W. Edward Lewis (Betty), and many loving nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to his loving Grandson James Tyler Lewis, for his selfless devotion to his Grandfather, and for the many days and nights spent attending to his needs. The family also wishes to thank Mr. Lewis’ dedicated caregivers: Glenn Bradley and Melissa Veitch, as well as Eric Blevins, Sherrell Hicks, and Lee Williams of Home Instead Senior Care, and Belinda Rollins of Gentiva Hospice. Visitation will begin at 1:30 PM on Sunday, January 8 at Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 PM. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Alabama School of Engineering, Indian Springs School, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.