James Willis Lewis

   James Willis Lewis was born in Shreveport, LA on August 25, 1953. He was the 4th of 7 children from the union of the late Ida B. Jamisen Lewis and Leroy Lewis. James accepted Christ at an early age and after relocating to Minden, LA he united with the St. Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. B. F. Martin. Growing up in a large family taught him at an early age the meaning of sharing, compassion humor, and togetherness. He was the caretaker of the family. He was truly loved for his joking, charismatic and professional character. James graduated from Bossier High School in Bossier City, LA. He later attended Grambling State University under a Band Scholarship where he played the Tuba. He loved to talk about the band traveling to Africa and the White House as if it was yesterday. Later James was transferred to Minden as a Manager of Church's Chicken. He was also employed by Thikal Ammunition Plant where he received several safety awards. His real calling was driving trucks and working with heavy  equipment. He ended up employed by Halliburton as a dispatcher and truck driver. He retired in 2009.  In 1989 he met his wife Dorothy Webb Lewis and they were together until his transition. Preceding him in death are his parents, his brother, Leroy Lewis; sisters, Eula B. Smith, Para Lee Jones, Lynn Lewis; son, Chance Lewis; and daughter, LaShanda Reaves Thompson. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife, Dorothy Webb Lewis; daughters, Charlene Charles, Judy Bryant, Katina Smith, and Vera V. Reaves Luttrell; son, Antoninus Lewis (Shontae); one brother, Charlie Lewis (Patricia) ; a sister, JoAnn Lewis; and a host of other relatives and friends.