May 8, 1945 – August 8, 2022
James Windfield “Jim” Lewis died at his home in Jacksonville, Oregon on 8 August 2022. He was born to Frederick Windfield Lewis and Dixie Mae Brown in Wray, Colorado on May 8, 1945. Growing up in a mobile military Navy family he identified as being from Colorado but became a devoted Oregonian. Jim graduated from Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, MO. He obtained a BA in English from the College of William and Mary, briefly taught high school, and with the Vietnam draft bearing down, was accepted by the Navy, serving two tours on ships in the South Pacific. He met Navy Nurse Gayle Offenbacher of Jacksonville, OR on Guam, marrying in 1971.The couple continued to serve in the Navy Reserves until 1994 when, the then Captains Lewis, retired. Jim obtained his law degree from the College of William and Mary in Tidewater, Virginia. He practiced law there and was a criminal justice systems consultant. Daughter, Claire Godward Lewis was born in Newport News, VA. In 1980, the family relocated to Southern Oregon to be close to family.
Jim was devoted to parenting their daughter and became involved in community service. He was recognized for nearly forty years of continuous leadership in elected and appointed roles including fourteen years as mayor of Jacksonville. Known for his vocabulary, he was however a man of few words. He had a dry sense of humor and rarely displayed anger. He was a master at the grill, a mixologist and enjoyed cooking. Jim was happiest fishing or with a book in hand. He appreciated rock music and movies of any genre.
Jim is survived by Gayle; daughter Claire of Portland, OR; brother Stephen K. Lewis and Savannah of Anchorage, AK; brother-in-law Curt Offenbacher and Ginny of Springfield, OR; nephew Charles D. Offenbacher and Bruna and grand-nephew Caio of Springfield, OR; Stepsisters Margaret Ferguson and Luanne Morris Nicks and Brandon of Yorktown, VA; niece Laurel Nicks and nephew Barrett Nicks of Yorktown, VA; and close friend of over fifty years, Carol Knapp of Jacksonville. Stepbrother Barry Morris and nephew David Windfield Nicks preceded him in death.
A military graveside service was held at the Jacksonville Cemetery. Jim requested memorial contributions be made to the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Fund or The Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Veterans Benefit Clinic, https://law.wm.edu, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg VA 23187-8795.