John C. Lewis

1932 - 2017

NEWPORT NEWS - John C. "Jack" Lewis, 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Jack was born in Liverpool, England in 1932. He came to America as a boy during WWII as a sponsored child to escape the bombing of England. After the war, he went back home and later joined the Merchant Marines where he traveled throughout the world. He made his way to New York where he became a Golden Gloves boxer for a short time. He then began his electrical apprenticeship and settled in Newport News. His apprenticeship program was interrupted by the Korean conflict where he served two years stateside in the Army after which he returned and completed his apprenticeship. Jack was a member of the IBEW Local Union 1340 for 63 years where he worked on such projects as the World Trade Center and the original building of Riverside Hospital. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, #1119 and the American Legion, Post 25. He loved to watch his English soccer games. He also loved to hunt and fish with one of his most memorable adventures being an African Safari. Jack loved life and lived it to its fullest. During his last couple of years, he took care of his wife of 58 years, Ruth, as she struggled with Parkinson's. He made sure she was taken care of sacrificing his own health. He passed away 18 days after her death. They rest eternally together. Jack was preceded in rest by his parents, John and Elsie Lewis. He is survived by two sons, Edward M. Proctor (Mary Ann) and John Allen Proctor (Mary); two daughters, Deborah Lewis Fulford (Bryan) and Brenda Lewis Caputo (Andy); ten grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and sister, Pamela Hughes (George). A celebration of Jack's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. In Lieu of flowers, please send your charitable donations to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.