James Arnold Lewis, Jr.

James Arnold Lewis, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday October 7, 2020 at NHC Healthcare of Garden City, South Carolina.

He was born on August 23, 1932 in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to the late James Arnold Lewis, Sr., & Dorothy Virginia (Martin) Lewis.

In his younger years, Jim was a talented athlete; he excelled in football, basketball and track. Jim was also a member of the high school band. Jim recognized his country’s need for brave men and enlisted in the United States Air Force prior to graduation in 1951. While enlisted, Jim made the Rank of Buck Sergeant and played in the United States Air Force Band using a variety of instruments such as the french horn, trumpet, drums, and other percussion instruments.

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force Jim went to work for Callery Chemical Co., in Callery, PA. Then, for 30 years as a valued employee of the management team as a Maintenance Supervisor for Halstead Industries in Zelienople, PA.  After Halstead, he began another career driving tour bus for Campbell Bus Lines out of Slippery Rock, PA.  He enjoyed interacting with and taking folks on tours throughout the United States for (10) years.

Always wanting to provide for his family and give back to his community he was also a certified emergency medical technician for Harmony ambulance company, served as a part-time Police Officer, Assistant Fire Chief and a member of the Scuba Diving Rescue Team, all in Zelienople.  He was a football and baseball coach for his boys’ local teams, a member of two church choirs for a combined 60 years, served as a Director of the Zelienople Community Park Board and an active member of the Moose Lodge, Lions and American Legion.

Post-retirement, Jim worked for Burroughs and Chapin in Myrtle Beach for 17 years as a service manager at a local miniature golf course.  He found peace on the golf course, sitting on the beach, casting fishing lines with friends, bowling, playing all kinds of card games, checkers, dominos and chess. Above all, Jim loved his family with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed but remembered for his wit, vibrant personality and infectious laughter.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his beloved wife of 63 years, Alice (Eiler) Lewis of Surfside Beach; his three sons: William Lewis and his wife, Eileen of Northampton, PA, Scott Lewis and his longtime companion, Karen Kaufman of Zelienople, PA, Dale Lewis and his wife, Dawn of Plum, PA; three grandchildren: Mackenzie, Conner, & Alayna Lewis; honorary grandsons, Bryan & Steven; his brother, Charlie Lewis and wife, Donna of Zelienople, PA; sister, Joanne Smith and her late husband, Daniel Smith of Zelienople, PA; several nieces, nephews and cousins spread throughout the country; and a large, loving extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.

 As a result of COVID-19 a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.

To view this obituary online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, kindly visit the funeral home website at, www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services (843-651-1440) is honored to assist the family. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.