John James Lewis

 

John James Lewis, age 84, of Wautoma, moved on to his Eternal Life on September 25, 2023 while at home and surrounded by family near and far.

He was born Feb 10, 1939 in Las Animas, Colorado, the son of James Corbett and Lily Frances (Bridwell) Lewis. He married Mary Ann Patterson in Raton, New Mexico on (Friday) March 13, 1959. A marriage that lasted only 40 years but a friendship and togetherness that lasted the rest of their lives, with only nineteen days between their passing.

He was a Jack of All Trades and a Master of Many. He took great pride in his skills and accomplishments as a brick mason, tile and carpet installer, and all-around handy man that was ready and willing to help out anyone and everyone in any way that he could.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, puttering around his yard and in his garage, helping friends and family with special projects, his worm farm, bowling, fishing, building model planes, trains and automobiles; and telling his ancient "Dad Jokes" ... When asked which one he'd like included here his response was "All of them!". He thought of this as his ultimate Dad joke. He especially enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and considered anyone he ever met, even briefly, to be a close personal friend.

He is survived by his three children, Patti Lewis, Deborah Lewis (Jonathan Stoffregen), and John (Linda) Lewis II, all of Wautoma; grandchildren: Dennis Bertzyk (Kim), Curtis (Theresa) Raatz, Brandon (fiancé, Candi) Raatz, Duane Buschke Jr., David Stoffregen (Samantha), Christopher (Jennifer) Stoffregen, John (Jensen) Lewis, Desiree Lewis, Jeremiah Lewis, Amanda May Lewis (Justin),  Amanda Marie, Jeffery and Kassandra; great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Mike, Adrian, Gavin, Liara, Ulrich, Visara, Justin, Ethan, Paige, Darren, Kayden, John, Kendall, Caleb, Kendrick, and Summer; sisters-in-law, Lucille (Mike) Cross, Thornton, Colorado; Martha Lewis, Emporia, KS; Brothers: Leldon (Carol) Tomlin (CO), Lyle (Pattie) Mead (WA), Phillip (Cindy) Albo, Wautoma; Sisters: Janet Lewis, Lebo, KS and Vicky (Neil) Briggs, Ordway, CO; Step-Mother: Marjorie Lewis, Lebo, KS. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his best friend and former wife, Mary Ann; his infant daughter, Sharalyn Kay; his parents, James C. Lewis and Lily (Bridwell) Archer; step-father, Thomas Archer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Thelma (Porter) Patterson; sisters Shirley (Tomlin) Copeland and Carol; brother, David Lewis; sister, Janice Lewis and sisters-in-law, Margaret (Patterson) Shay, Judith (Pike) Albo, and Kelly (Hayen) Albo.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service or funeral but a small and informal Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at his home on October 15th.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Long Nguyen, Dr. Richard Warren, his entire oncology team (Laura, Shelby, Kay, Sherry, Sharon, Sara), his nurses (Carrie and Cassie), the Hospice Team and his very special caregivers Julianna, Charlotte, Nikki, and Vicky for their loving and compassionate care. Dad had a special place in his heart for each of you and felt that he was special to you because of all the extra special care and attention he received from each and every one of you.