Colonel Lewis E. James, U.S. Air Force Retired, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2022 at the age of 88, with his family by his side. Colonel James was born June 27, 1934, in St. Louis, Mo., and completed high school in Piggott, Ark.

Colonel James was married to former Elizabeth Martin of Scotts Hill, Tenn., for 55 years and father to their two children who followed him throughout his military career to numerous assignments in many parts of the United States as well as Libya, Africa. Colonel James was also known as “Papa Lew” by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Colonel James was preceded in death by his parents Lotus and Opal James, his wife Elizabeth James and his sister Mae (Roy) Elam.

He is survived by his son Barry James of Shalimar, Fla., and daughter, Susan (Frankie) Goodin of Evans, Geo., and his sister Karen (Larry) Davidson of Memphis, Tenn.

Colonel James enlisted in the Air Force in October 1953 and received his commission as a second lieutenant in January 1955 through the aviation cadet program. He was awarded navigator wings at Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas in March 1955.

Colonel James honorably and proudly served as an Air Force officer for 30 years. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In his retirement years, Colonel James enjoyed a good game of golf, some good barbeque and many days set aside for fishing. The mighty bass fish is proudly displayed in his office at home. Above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, but, it’s no secret that he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.