James Edwin Lewis, 83, of Richmond, passed away peacefully Monday, November 1, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. 

Jim, also known as Jamie by family, was born March 8, 1938, in Ethel, the son of Jim and Merta (Standley) Lewis.  He was united in marriage to Bonnie Kay Burton of Richmond.  They married in Kansas City, which became their home for 38 years before retiring to Richmond.   Bonnie preceded him in death in August 2016 and well as his parents, and brother Milford Lewis. 

Jim and Bonnie had 3 adoring children: Mike Lewis and wife Christine, of Liberty; Michele Lewis, of Richmond, and Mitch Lewis and wife Cathy of Norborne.  Grandchildren include Samantha Montes de Oca and husband Lucas.   Great grandchildren; Benjamin and Emilio of Lima, Peru.  James Michael Lewis of Gladstone; Alanna Dozier and fiancé Tyler of Richmond; Amanda Bates and husband Justin.  Great grandchildren; Isabelle and Ivy of Carrollton; Alexa Buxton and husband Isaiah of Blue Springs; and Aarion Lewis of Norborne and Ryan Higgins of Gladstone.  

His sister, Marilyn Wilcher and husband Larry reside in Lawson.  His sister-in-law, Earlene Lewis, resides in Liberty.     Jim leaves many nieces and nephews: Shawna Mull and husband Troy of Excelsior Springs; Derek Jones and wife Julie of Loveland, Colorado; son and daughter of Marilyn.    Milford and Earlene’s children: Keith Lewis and husband Bob of Kansas City; Denice Sheek and husband Randy of Kearney; Donata Whitlock and husband Darrell of Liberty.  

Jim graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City and was a tool and die maker by trade.   Places where he used his craft were at ACE Tool, Dollin’s Tool, Shultze Tool before retiring from Earl’s shop in Wood Heights in his 70’s.    He loved the outdoor life of fishing and hunting, traveling to the Big Sky country in the western states with his family.   He could fix and repair anything - no broken appliance was beyond his skill.    He had a close relationship with his brother and when Jim, Milford and his life-long friend, Roger Martin got together, watch out!  They were likely building something or involved in a construction project.  The three of them were inseparable.    Helping his neighbors was important to him and he enjoyed talking with his dear friends.    People described him as ‘having a heart of gold’. He was gentle and caring and had a wonderful sense of humor.

A visitation will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.at the Richmond United Methodist Church with memorial services to follow at 12:00 p.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Excelsior Springs Hospital - Home Health and Hospice Services, who took amazing care of him in the last year.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home 507 East Main Street – PO BOX 190, Richmond Mo 64085.  Please remember to share your memories with the family by visiting, www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.