JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Capt. Kirk Thomas Lewis, U.S. Navy (retired), 72, fell asleep Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at Community Hospice, Jacksonville, Fla., five days after his terminal cancer diagnosis.

He was born into a military aviation family in post-war Japan in 1948. During his formative years, he lived in Texas, New York, Germany, Michigan and Madison, Wis. In June 1966, he graduated from Madison's LaFollette High School. In January 1970, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin and was commissioned via NROTC.

He next served in Washington, D.C., where he met his wife, Lora, who was a retail buyer for The Hecht Co. In 1972, they married, and Lora joined Kirk in Texas.

He was designated a naval aviator in 1973. The couple moved to California, and he was deployed to Vietnam aboard the USS Coral Sea. During his distinguished Navy career of more than 30 years, he piloted several aircraft types, predominately the A7-E. In 1976, the Lewises arrived in Jacksonville, Fla., where he served numerous tours in USS Forrestal and commanded VA-105, NAS Cecil Field and the NROTC Unit at Jacksonville University. He served on the boards of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, American Red Cross and St. Johns Country Day School.

In between Jacksonville tours, Kirk attended the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He served twice in Europe: with NATO in the NL, and in London, UK. He earned three master's degrees, most recently an EMBA from JU.

After Navy retirement in 2001, he managed Adult Degree and Aviation programs at JU. Later, he worked as Operations Manager for a family-owned company before retiring to a life of volunteer service. He was an active member of the civic leadership group, Meninak. For 10 years, he directed the volunteer teams counting Red Kettle contributions for NE FL Salvation Army. In 2016, Meninak awarded him the prestigious Gladys Harris Memorial Award for this work. Salvation Army honored him that same year.

Capt. Lewis is survived by his wife, Lora Lianne Lewis of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Jaime Lynn Cooper (Ryan) Ashburn, Va.; and granddaughters, Charlotte, Hannah, and Riley. He was predeceased by his parents, Lt. Col. George T. Lewis, U.S. Air Force (retired) and Helen R. Lewis; and two brothers, Geoffrey S. Lewis and Bradley R. Lewis (Ruth). He also leaves a niece, Morgan Tribbey (Stuart); a nephew, Brandon Lewis; and numerous cousins.

Services were held Jan. 11 and 12, 2021, at St. Justin Martyr Orthodox Church, Jacksonville, Fla., where Capt. Lewis was rendered military honors and interred at the Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NE FL Salvation Army, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Justin Martyr Church Cemetery Fund.

Please visit www.quinn-shalz.com for online condolences. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz, 3600 Third Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Jan. 13, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Kirk Lewis

Sponsored by Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.

5 Entries

YN1(AW) David Dibble, USN(Ret.)

February 16, 2021

HOF, my gosh, I cant even begin to put into words how devastating this news is. Your lovely Bride called to share the news and she referred to me as "Doctor Dibble of the Dance Hall Doctors." I wanted to cry..okay, I did. I can't even conceive of the fact that you actually thought enough of this junior Sailor to refer to me in your own private time. But then again, I really shouldn't be surprised at all. Thats exactly the man that you were...or ARE, because your spirit and legacy will always live on in the Sailors you led and trained. GOD BLESS YOU SIR AND ONE LAST THING ...Watch out for those slippery decks, "Slippery When Wet"

Hand Salute to you sir and your blessed family are all in my prayers. I cant put into words getting a call and seeing HOF on the screen as I kept you in my phone.

VR,
YN1(AW) Dibble

Hank Marlow

January 31, 2021

Kirk and I served together in our first fleet squadron, VA-22. I remember our flight from the west coast to the Philippines to join it. He was a fine pilot and officer and a good guy.

Nancy Grant

January 16, 2021

Dear Lora,
I always admired Capt. Kirk even though I did not know him well. After reading his obituary, I admire him even more. Your were a great couple. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember you fondly from Lakewood. Love, Nancy Grant

Sophia M. Shields

January 12, 2021

To Lora and family, My sincere condolences with the of passing of Capt. KIrk Lewis. My belated husband Capt. Jack Shields enjoyed working with Kirk while being stationed at Cecil Field. I thank Capt. KIrk Lewis, you and the family for all you did for our beloved country. May the loving memories of Kirk give you comfort, strength and courage for the coming days to come and may God bless all of you, Sophia Shields

January 12, 2021

Captain Lewis, thank you for your service to America, and thanks to your family for their sacrifices during your service. Our condolences to your wife, your family and dear friends. May God comfort them all and give them strength and courage. We are very, very sorry to see how quickly everything transpired, and the date of the diagnosis. God bless each of you.

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