James William Lewis 72, of Bluefield, WV was called home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2018 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center.
Born October 14, 1946 in Bluefield, WV he was the son of the late Douglas C. Rozzel Sr. and Alberta Whittaker, Rozzel.
During his life he was deeply rooted in Jesus spiritually who has been his Savior and guiding light.
He was educated in the Mercer County Public School System. He attended Lawson St. Elementary, Stinson Elementary, Genoa Jr. High, Park Central High School and Bluefield State College. He was active in sports and very skillful in basketball and football.
He had a great love for music as an extremely talented pianist. He also played several other instruments. While furthering his education at Bluefield State, he contributed to various activities and organizations. One of his pride and joys was becoming a Fraternity Brother of the “Omega Psi Phi” chapter.
He was placed on pause with his educational studies at BSC and was drafted into the US Army serving his term as Staff Sargent stationed in Vietnam earning several medals of honor. The discipline and patriotism from his service in the Army continued throughout his lifetime.
Once he returned home from military service he resumed his college studies, completed his course and received a Bachelor Degree in Education at Bluefield State College in Bluefield, WV achieving his Masters after relocating to Maryland where he began his teaching career at Oxville High School. He taught there for 37 years prior to his retirement. He returned back home to Bluefield, WV to live around his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ben and Janie Whittaker, Theodore, Sr. and Aileen Rozzel, also a sister, Gertrude Aileen Rozzel, Bryant. He is survived by two brothers – Claude E. Lewis, Jr. and wife Gwen of Patterson, NJ; Douglas C. Rozzel, Jr. and wife Rachel of Bluefield, WV; three sisters – Janie A. Rozzel, Michelle S. Rozzel, Armstead and husband Gary; Gail Y. Rozzel all of Bluefield, WV along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be conducted at Roselawn Funeral Home at noon on Saturday, December 29, 2018 with Reverend Robert Johnson officiating. Friends and family may call at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.
Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery in Princeton, WV is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit www.roselawnfuneral.com.
