James E. “Jim” Lewis
James E. “Jim” Lewis passed away of COPD and cancer on February 12, 2012. He was born March 26, 1939 in Santa Paula.
James grew up on the Limoneira Ranch where his father, James “Bud” Lewis, and mother, Edith Kate Lewis, both worked. He went to Briggs and Santa Paula High.
He retired from the City of Santa Paula Public Works Department in 1996. After retiring his hobbies were repairing old clocks and playing the lottery.
He was an accomplished musician, bass player and singer, playing with various country bands in California for years. He played at the Ventura Farmer’s Market with the Old Time Country Trio Plus One. He was a member of California Old Time Fiddlers Association, District 8.
He is survived by his wife Marlene; son James (Jeanine); daughters Denise Wakefield (Terry) and Monica Burnett; grandchildren Christine, Andrea (Rob), Sonja and Jessica; great-grandchildren Brittany, Cody, Cara and Michael; and great-great grandchild Caydence.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Betty LeDane, niece Terry LeDane, and grandson Matthew Castor.
A celebration of his life will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Life Way Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 673 W. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula.
Arrangements are by Coast Cities Cremations, Ventura.
