James Francis Lewis

James Lewis ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Crick-Christians Funeral Home - Lindsborg on Mar. 10, 2026.James Francis Lewis passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, while living his final years in Lindsborg, Kansas. His loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Karen Doris Larson, continues in the historic house and town Jim and Karen found together. The cultural richness and vibrant community of Lindsborg is both Sweeden in America and New England on the prairie. The people of Lindsborg never really got to know this amazing man known as "Uncle Jim". He had been in compromised health for several years after moving to Lindsborg and his wife devoted every hour she could to his comfort and care. But Jim's quick wit and robust laugh was with him to the last.Uncle Jim, as so affectionately known, was the very essence of unclehood! His love for children found the greatest expression with his many Nieces and Nephews. Jim freely gave his precious and valuable possessions and usable knowledge and wisdom in the care and recognition of the talents he discerned a niece or nephew to possess. He was "inspiration and encouragement incarnate".Jim regaled every family gathering with wonderful stories that often embraced the children in a living testament as to their possibilities. Jim was a tornado of personality and excitement. His dry New England wit and turn of a phrase would draw everyone into a creative retelling of family history and events. The nieces and nephews would, in turn, tease one another by challenging each other's version of this gathering's rendition of the stories and events. The gatherings were always explosive with laughter and new revelations. Jim's love for family and his nieces and nephews created community as only a true Yankee could! Where did Jim get all these stories? From experience and a life well lived.Jim Lewis was born in Salem Massachusetts on May 31st, 1945. His mother was Dorothy Coulman. His father was James L. Lewis, whose family had settled in Yarmouth Massachusetts in the 1600s. Jim and Karen's son "Jay" has traced and documented the Lewis side of the family all the way back to 425 AD. Jim has a sister, Jeanne Jalbert, who lives in Georgia.James F. Lewis Jr. "Jay", Jim's first son, is currently living in New Ipswich, New Hampshire with his wife Lee and their two Children Paige and Richard.Thomas Benjamin Lewis "Ben", the younger son- but definitely not "the smaller"- Lives in Colorado with his wife, Megan Albert, and their daughter Kayla.Jim and Karen Lewis were married in Swampscott, Massachusetts. Soon they were the proud parents of one, and then two, very active boys. The family of four were true blue Yankees but they rooted for the Red Socks, of course! Jim and Karen began their family and built their careers in New England, where both were born. Karen was in finance as an Auditor and Compliance Officer while Jim served as a Police Officer and Fireman. Early in his career as a police officer, Jim experienced the devastating loss of his patrol partner when they, together, responded to an armed robbery in Saugus, Massachusetts. Both officers were very young men. A first responder's life was deeply respected in the Lewis family's world view. This ethic was very much conveyed in the practices and selfless service of Jim's life.Jim later devoted over 17 years to Firefighting after moving his family to New Hampshire. He excelled in all aspects of firefighting, but his lifelong love of machinery and his mechanical skills would eventually take he and his family West to the Rocky Mountains. Jim's mechanical skills were of great value, and he worked on Heavy Equipment, Cranes, Fire Engines, Deisel engines and even a Steam Engine or two. He also restored antique automobiles and volunteered countless hours at the Forney Transportation Museum in Denver Colorado. Jim was quite the historian of mechanical parts and their manufacture.James Lewis could make and put together most anything (non-digital, of course!) Jim's mechanical skills necessitated his travel all over the Western United States. When age began to limit the physical demands of climbing upon, or climbing under, or climbing inside some machinery, in all weather conditions- mind you, Jim smartly dedicated his talents to collecting and repairing old clocks. Some thought he had gone coocoo, but rest assured, it was just the clocks. He was truly a master mechanic of the grandest and the minutest of scale.Jim was a proud New Englander who believed in the fraternity of membership in Unions. He was also a Mason (32nd Degree), following in the proud tradition of many founding fathers of America. Jim never lost his New England accent and the children in his life loved him all the more because of it. "Park the car, in Harvard Yard."James Francis Lewis influenced and impacted the lives of many people because of his deep sense of duty and selfless love. His giving nature came naturally by disposition. A rich legacy of memories and lessons will endure in the lives of those he leaves behind. Karen and Jim were as devoted to one another as time is to life itself.May everyone's time with Jim be celebrated in love given to one another. He would want that. Please use the Crick-Christians web site to post any thoughts and memories!!!To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.