James D. Lewis, 57, of 505 South 19th Street, Escanaba, died Saturday afternoon August 13, 2005.Jim was born June 5, 1948, in Escanaba, the son of Matt and Eleanor (Campbell) Lewis. He was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Holy Name High School.
Jim was an accomplished musician his entire life, performing in the local area as well as throughout the United States. Jim resided in Milwaukee, Wis., and Las Vegas, Nev., for many years, returning to Escanaba in the early 1990s. He performed locally with the Shuffle-Aires and also partnered with Jay Brodersen in a duet.
Survivors include:
Wendy Pepin of Escanaba
Friends, Al and Mary Ek of Las Vegas, Nev.; Jay Brodersen, Jason Norman, Brian Hord, Kelly Lane and Fred Cavill, all of Escanaba
An uncle and aunt, Francis (Patricia) Lewis of Escanaba.
Also surviving is a sister, Lynn Lewis of Neenah, Wis., and additional friends, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Eleanor.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba. Friends and fans are invited to participate in an informal jam session and tribute to Jim at the 8th Street Coffee House immediately following the visitation. A lunch will be served.
Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Jim’s honor to the Delta County Animal Shelter.
Cold wind a howlin’,
there’s a wolf outside my door.
Cold wind a howlin’,
there’s a wolf outside my door.
It’s a mean old world
and I can’t take it no more…
“Make the Pain Stop”
by James D. Lewis
Anonymous
So many years ago ….the late 60’s !!! !!! Those were the days and times !!! You’ll be missed by all those who knew you !!! See you later “Schwall” !!
“Mac”
Bark River, MI
Dear Wendy,
I’m so sorry to hear about Jim…
Brenda Johnson/Jim Lempke
Lexington, MI
Jim Lewis was one of the nicest people I ever met. We enjoyed many nights together with our friends at the farm. Jim will be missed by all who knew him.
Richard A.Coplan
Milwaukee, WI
Jim,
Thanks for being you. You were “sharpe as a razor, slick as Vaseline”-James D. lewis.
The Other Phoneboy
Escanaba, MI
James Lewis
Let the music play
Kate Kolich Prest
Okauchee, WI
I met Smiley over 30 yrs ago & have lots of great memories of him. Jam sessions,guitar talk,slide & fingerpicking guitar, amps & equipment & an occasional party or two. Jim was an original “Blues Cat” & will be missed by all who knew him. As Keith Richard says…”See ya on the other side”.
Gerry Cain
Menominee, MI
To Wendy and Jim’s Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Jim influenced many people thoughout his life with his love of music and his passion for performance. May he rest in peace.
Meadow Lark Erickson
West Bend, WI
Condolences to the family and loved ones of Jim Lewis, a great musician and a good friend. He came to visit me in the nursing home when it was very difficult for him. I am unable to get out and attend the funeral but wanted to send a tribute to him.
Joseph Chapla
Escanaba, MI
Dear Wendy
We are so sorry for your loss of Jim. He sure will be missed. He was a great musician. Our prayers and condolenses are with you and the Lewis friends and family. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to call.
Pat Buckbee
Escanaba, MI
My buddy, my roommate and my bandmate…Jim taught me a lot about music & with his talent and presence, forced me to be better at it…I was delighted to hook up with Smiley again after a 20+ year absence. Our 2003 ‘reunion’ gig at 8th Street with Jay was a highlight for me. Adios, mi amigo. I love you & will miss you.
Steve Yankee
East Lansing, MI
Ani - Dallas, TX
Smiley was my first love. We dated in the mid 70’s and again in 1993-94. I will always have a special place in my heart for him. I gave him my virginity and I promise I have stopped chewing Hall menthol cough drops while riding on Harley’s. Your guitar skills were just as great after the bike accident cause you worked so hard on getting the arm and hand back into “playing” right. Love you and thanks for bringing me to womanhood. You did it right just like everything else you did. Still own a Harley and think of you EVERY time I get on it… Keep playing and keep riding. I’ll see you in the next dimension ….
Bruce Douglas - Baldwin , WI
In 1965. I met him when I joined Beat Inc, he was the drummer. We reformed a band called Jim Lewis and His Electric Grandmother with him playing guitar. He was a Bob Dylan fan back then.
In 1971 we briefly played as a duo in Ann Arbor, MI. After that we formed the Black Dog Blues Band with Craig Seckinger, Matt Neumeier, and Joey Spath. Played for about a year.
He was my Best Man at my wedding. We had a lot of good times together and will always be a fond memory.
See you up yonder, Jim!