James Brady "J.B." Lewis

J.B. was born in Fireco, West Virginia, to the late Claude and Edna Lewis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorla Clark, and brother, Steve Lewis.

J.B. retired as an engineer with Norfolk Southern Railroad, where his hardworking nature and steady determination served him well. He was a faithful member of Dallas Bay Baptist Church and was a man who cherished his family, his faith, and the simple joys of life.

He was also a devoted sports fan. He could often be found cheering on the Tennessee Vols in football and basketball, following West Virginia basketball, or keeping up with the Atlanta Braves. He also holds the world’s record for watching the most episodes of Gunsmoke.

But J.B.’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved playing with them and had a wonderful way of letting his inner child come out whenever they were around. When J.B. and Nancy watched the grandchildren and they played school, J.B. happily took on the important job of school bus driver. He took his route seriously, even if the bus was imaginary, and his passengers were sometimes much more interested in playing than getting anywhere on time. Those moments of laughter and fun will be treasured by his family forever.

J.B. will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Nancy Lewis, of Hixson, Tennessee; his son, Larry (Laura) Lewis, of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; his daughter, Heather Porter, of Hixson, Tennessee; and his four grandchildren, Audrey Porter, Lilly Lewis, Brady Lewis, and Myra Porter. Jim and Nancy were high school sweethearts and voted Stoco High School’s “ideal couple”.

He is also survived by his brothers, King (Paulette) Lewis of Hixson, Tennessee, Gary (Peggy) Lewis of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, and Doug (Jane) Lewis of Hixson, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Boyd Clark of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Kay Lewis of Hixson, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.

J.B. leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, family devotion, and countless memories. He was the best dad! While his family will miss his presence dearly, they can take comfort in knowing that the laughter he brought into their lives—especially with his grandchildren—will continue for generations.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 4:00–7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the funeral home.

Please share your thoughts and memories of J.B. online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.