James Albert Lewis, Sr.

Senator James Albert Lewis, Jr., 85, of Charlestown, IN passed away on Thursday June 9, 2016 at his home.

Senator Lewis was born on December 26, 1930 in Highland, Kentucky to James A. and Laura McGuffey Lewis.  He was a retired building contractor, a Boy Scout Master for 18 years, an IHSAA Official for 20 years and a member of the First United Methodist Church and Blazing Star Masonic Lodge # 226.  Jim attended Purdue University and served as a Charlestown City Councilman for 8 years, a Clark County Councilman for 2 years, as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives for 2 years and in The Indiana Senate for 32 years where he served as Democrat Caucus Chairman received several Legislator of the Year Awards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Lorraine Bowen and Christine Lewis; brothers Donald and Franklin Lewis.

Senator Lewis is survived by his wife of 65 years; Anna Mae Spencer Lewis; sons, David Lewis (Renata) of Charlestown, Thomas Lewis (Cheri) of Scottsburg, IN and Charles Lewis (Joanne) of Northhaven, CT; brothers, Ray Lewis (Lynn) of Clarksville, IN and Russell Lewis (Mary Lou) of Jacksonville, FL; sister Betty Coombs of Charlestown, IN; Grandchildren, Jennifer (Mitch), Chad (Jody), Stephen (Heather), Adrienne (Jeff), Naomi (Brad), Cameron, Brad (Krysti), Heather, and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Tate, Jude, Jamison, Braxton, Quinton, Cooper, Xavier, and Lewis.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Monday June 13, 2016 at Grayson Funeral Home with burial in Charlestown Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm and after 9 am on Monday.  Masonic services will be held at 7 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.

Charitable donations may be made in James's memory to the following organization:

First United Methodist Church
423 Main Cross Street
Charlestown, IN 47111

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