James Albert Lewis, 94, of Merrill passed away from heart related illness, on June 2, 2023. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home near Merrill. Jim was born on Feb. 28th, 1929 to James Knauft Lewis and Alice Louise (Kidder) Lewis in Minneapolis, MN. He attended Breck School for his high school years and the University of Minnesota where he received his Master’s degree in Speech Therapy. After two years in the Army, he worked in San Antonio as a radio expert. He returned home to Minneapolis, and pursued a career in Speech Therapy. He was eventually contacted by the Marathon County schools to be a Speech Therapist for the District. After many of the old schoolhouses were consolidated into larger schools, he worked in Merrill for the rest of his career. He was known to incorporate his ukulele into his speech therapy sessions. He retired to his beautiful farm to enjoy the seasons and the many birds. He loved to share the land with friends and family. Friends were very important to him and he spent many happy times with his weekly coffee group, his astronomy club (Stars R Us), the Society of Friends (Quakers) and others. He lived to teach others about his passions. His family was also top of his list and he enjoyed their visits.
Jim is survived by his wife, Janice Adair Lewis (Femling) – Merrill, his son James F. Lewis – Wausau, daughter Linda Hamp (Lewis) – Lansdale, PA, son John R. Lewis – Caledonia, WI, Grandchildren, Joel A. Lewis (Melissa Engels-Lewis) – Wausau, Kat Thomas (Lewis) – Union Grove, WI, Jennifer Hamp – New York, NY, Joseph Hamp (Claire Hamp [Hansen]) – Akron, Ohio, and Kevin Hamp – Lansdale, PA. He has 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Paul M. Lewis
Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 709 N 6th Street, Wausau on Monday, June 12, 2023, with Visitation from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm. John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at HonorOne.com