James R. Lewis

James Robert “Jim” Lewis, Jr., 86, of Chapin, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Jim was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on July 3, 1940, to James Robert Lewis, Sr. and Rosa Mae Fullington Locke. He was later raised by his stepfather, John H. Locke, Jr.

After high school, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1967, followed by the US Air Force from 1967 to 1978. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned a Bachelor of Professional Aeronautics degree in 1983.

Jim then worked as an air traffic controller for 10 years while residing in Clarksville, TN. He later founded his own private investigation company in Sumter, South Carolina, before moving to Columbia. He concluded his career as a Deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, retiring after 10 years of dedicated service.

A devoted member of Salem United Methodist Church, Jim was also active in the Palmetto Shag Club, a proud Shriner with the Jamil Temple, and an avid University of South Carolina Gamecocks fan.

Jim’s passions brought him great joy throughout his life. He was an accomplished pilot who loved flying his private plane, an enthusiastic water skier who enjoyed many water sports on Lake Murray, and a thrill-seeker who loved dirt bike racing and cruising the highways on his Harley.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, of Chapin, SC; his son, James Michael “Mike” Lewis (Mindy); daughters, Annette Nash and Michelle Williams (Al); stepdaughters, Libby Powers (Blake) and Lynn Semino (Michael); nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church in Irmo, SC. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. The burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. following the visitation at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com