James Russell Lewis

James Russell “Russ” Lewis, age 76, passed away on December 29, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado, surrounded by his wife, Jeannie Lewis, and his children, Jake and Molly Lewis, along with his daughter-in-law, Sarah Lewis.

Russ was born on December 3, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Carrol Russell Lewis and Elma Louise (Smith) Lewis. He grew up in Deer Park, Texas, where he developed the roots that shaped his steady and practical nature.

Russ later moved to Denton, Texas, where he attended North Texas State University (now The University of North Texas) and majored in journalism. He went on to serve with the City of Denton Police Department, where he combined his journalism and photography skills as a crime scene detective and forensics investigator. During his years with the department, Russ formed lifelong friendships, including a bond with his best friend of 40 years, and “partner in crime,” Sgt. Steve Camp, who was more of a brother than a friend. They are currently in heaven together which has people who know of their past hijinx a bit concerned.

While living in Denton, Russ married Donna Clemons, and together they welcomed two children, Jake and Molly.

Russ later married Jeannie Lewis and they began a 25 year marriage full of love for their blended family. After serving as a Detective for 26 years, Russ retired from the Denton Police Department in 2005. Together, Russell and Jeannie moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where they built a life rooted in family, service, and devotion to one another. Russ embraced his role as a father to Jeannie’s sons, Zach and Jamie, raising them as his own. Molly later joined them while in high school, and Jake followed during his college years, making their home a full and lively one.

After their children had grown and moved on, Russ and Jeannie felt called to serve others and became deeply involved in the foster care community. Over the years, they cared for 11 children and ultimately adopted three: Jaydin, Ryan, and Elizabeth, expanding their family through love and commitment.

Though retired from law enforcement, Russ took on a security role at Gateway Canyons Resort for ten years before fully settling into retirement. He then volunteered at the Grand Junction Police Department as his love of law enforcement and serving the community never wavered. He remained active and hands-on, devoting himself to transforming his and Jeannie’s Unaweep Canyon home into a cabin retreat that reflected his craftsmanship and care. He enjoyed riding his horse, watching elk roam his 35 acre property and sitting outside with his beloved dog, Roxie, watching the sun set over the canyon walls.

Beneath a sometimes stern exterior, Russell had a goofy sense of humor and a love for classic dad jokes. He cherished trips back to Texas to spend time with his grandchildren, Joanna Maureen, Jacob Ford, and Joseph Gray, who were a constant source of pride and joy for him. As his health failed over the past two years, it was the relationship with his grandchildren that kept him going. He often said that being “Pops” was his greatest accomplishment.

Russ will be remembered as a quiet man who loved his family deeply, gave more than he took, and showed his love through action, commitment, and a steady presence.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie Lewis; her parents, Kathleen and Richard Morgan of Grand Junction, and Rick and Sherolyn Rawley of San Antonio; his sister, Sandra Lewis of Deer Park, Texas; his children, Jake Lewis (Sarah), Zach Hall (Rachael), Molly Lewis, Jamie Hall, Jaydin Lewis, and Elizabeth Lewis; His grandchildren; Joanna, Ford, and Gray Lewis, Ada Hall, and Caezar Lewis. He is preceded in death by his son Ryan Lewis.

In true Russell fashion, he chose to forego a formal service so as not to cause a commotion. Donations in his memory may be made to his favorite non profit which supports youth as they age out of foster care: https://fosteralumnimentors.org/