James McKinley Lewis was born January 09, 1939 in Lando, SC (Chester County) to the late Boss McKinley Lewis and Ethel Parker Lewis. He departed this life on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Watercrest Senior Living Memory Care Center.

After attending college he joined the US Army and retired after 22 years of service as Master Sergeant, MEDDAC Company, Ft. Jackson, SC (Moncrief Army Hospital). He received the following medals and ribbons while in the Army: Medals: National Defense Service, Army Commendation, Vietnam Service with two bronze service stars, Vietnam Campaign, Army of Occupation (Berlin), Good Conduct (6th AWD). Ribbons: Army Service, Overseas Service, Professional Development with 2d Device.

He married the late Loise Mae Lewis on January 14, 1966. They cherished each other for 55 years. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. Although his career was in the medical field, he was an excellent cook, builder of anything and most of all a great father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Bill Lewis, Luther Lewis; two sisters: Bertha Horton, Mildred Lewis.

James M. Lewis leaves to cherish his memory: sons, Kelvin Lewis (Pamela), Darryl Thompson (Christina); daughters, Carolyn Chappelle, Veronica Lewis; grandson, Lavery-J Thompson; granddaughters, Kenisha Thompson, Morgan Chappelle; great-granddaughters; Shahda' Jenkins, Kendyll Rufus, Raigan Wiley, Rain Wiley; sister, Bobbie Jean Lewis Torbit and a host of loving relatives and caring friends.

The graveside service for Mr. Lewis will be held at 11 o'clock on Tuesday, May 31st, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. Family will receive friends the evening prior from 5 until 7 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.