James Lew Lewis

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James (Jim) Lew Lewis passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 30, 2026, in Lehi, Utah. He was born on December 10, 1943, in Loma Linda, California, to Bernard and Wilma Lewis.

Jim was the middle child of three boys and shared a close bond with his brothers, Gary Lewis and Lenny Lewis, who were also his best friends growing up.

Jim spent part of his early working years owning a gas station in Nevada City, California, with his brother Gary. It was there he noticed a woman, across the street at another gas station. This woman had concerns regarding damage to her car and was waiting for help.

When no one came out to assist, Jim walked over, checked the car, and assured her everything was fine. That simple act of kindness led to a first conversation, a lasting love, and a marriage of more than 52 years. Sometimes the most ordinary moments become the beginning of an extraordinary life together.

Jim and Jerri were married on August 13, 1973. Shortly after their marriage, Jim converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Jerri were later sealed in the Oakland Temple. Together they built a beautiful family with 7 children, 24 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Shortly after marrying, Jim and Jerri made their home in Lake of the Pines, California, where they built a life filled with family, faith, and lasting friendships. They loved the community and especially enjoyed time on the water. Jim was an avid water skier and was well known for skiing barefoot. Jim and Jerri were active in their church and created deep, lifelong connections with those around them.

Jim was a talented contractor, builder, and cabinet maker who took great pride in his work. He built homes throughout Lake of the Pines and Grass Valley, and he loved taking his children on drives through the community, sharing stories about the homes he had helped create. Jim spent much time with his son, David, sharing his crafts and instilling the ethic of hard work. His craftsmanship and dedication left a lasting mark on the places and people he served.

Jim was always a family man. He especially looked forward to Sundays, where the afternoon was spent at church with his family. After church was dinner at Jim’s parents’ home with his brothers and their children. Sunday evening ended with the family watching a Disney movie together.

Jim loved fishing, golfing and four-wheeling, and some of his children’s treasured memories are of off-road adventures with him in his FJ-40 Toyota Land Cruiser.

In his later years, Jim enjoyed a daily lunch break that often included watching his favorite westerns, Gunsmoke or Bonanza, followed by a nap. He never met an old western he didn’t love. He also had an extensive collection of Louis L’Amour books, which he read often. Jim was rarely seen without his cowboy boots and cowboy hat, a reflection of the classic western spirit he carried so naturally.

Above all, Jim loved the Lord. He was a devoted and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until the time of his passing. He will be remembered for his strong faith, his devotion to his family, his craftsmanship, his sense of adventure, and the steady, enduring way he lived his life. Even at the end, he remained positive and never lost his sense of humor.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife Jerrildine Puzey, daughters Alisa Sacca, Monique Nielsen (Dave), Aimee Ibarra, and Jenny Patten (Dave) and sons David Lewis (Marsha) and Joseph Lewis.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Barney and Wilma Lewis, son Ephraim, grandson Bryce Nielsen and granddaughter Sophia Ibarra.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pointe Meadows Health and Rehabilitation, and to Inspiration Hospice, specifically Jim’s nurse Craig, for their compassionate care.