Jim is predeceased by his parents, Franklin Joseph Lewis and Anna Lucille Lewis (Pinkston); sister, Kathryn “Kitty” Sykes and nephew, Jason Sykes. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 32 years, Robin O. Lewis; son, Franklin A. Lewis and fiancée, Ashley Kysar; brother, William “Bill” Lewis (Dianna); brother-in-law, John Sykes; nephews, Jonas Sykes (Kimberly); Cody Lewis, Colton Lewis and his 4 legged best friend, Dusty Maxx.
Jim was born in Cuyahoga Falls, OH on July 8, 1944. During his formative years he was active in sports: Football, Baseball and Track & Field. His family vacationed yearly in Canada at his grandparent’s cottage where he found his love for fishing, hunting and frog giggin’.
After high school he was in the Army Reserve & was drafted during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he graduated from Akron University. He worked locally in Ohio as an accountant for several years, until he accepted his career job with the United States General Accounting Office. He earned a Presidential Award in 1996.
Jim enjoyed his time off from work. He loved fishing, hunting, playing softball and bowling. He was a confirmed bachelor and his 1st home was known as the “Home for Wayward Men”. In 1989, he reconnected with Robin, his roommate’s niece and they married. In 1990, our one and only son,
Frankie was born. Jim spent the rest of his life devoted to his family. Frankie liked sports and tried them all until he fell in love with baseball. Jim devoted his time to Frankie's passion. He assisted with coaching for many years, kept the books, coordinated hotel arrangements for travel ball, provided transport for many players and whatever else was needed. He was the church treasurer at Memorial United Methodist Church for 14 years. He was a member of a special group of friends that met every other Tuesday night for bible study and fellowship for last 14 years of his life. He had the pleasure of knowing and loving his future daughter-in-law, Ashley. As Jim’s health slowed him down he had his pal, Dusty as his faithful companion. He was a man who was truly a treasure and will be missed by everyone he knew and loved.
There will be a visitation on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 5:00-7:30 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Norfolk and a funeral service at Memorial United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach on Monday, July 12 at 11:30 am with entombment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.WoodlawnNorfolk.com to read the full obituary and to leave a message of condolence for the family.
