James R. Lewis

James R. "Jim" or "J.R." Lewis, 63, passed away Saturday, January 21, at his home in Belleville, Illinois. He was born March 9, 1953, in Jefferson City, Missouri. The son of Ed P. and Joyce R. Lewis. His mother survives in Jefferson City. He graduated from Jefferson City Senior High in 1971 and attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. Jim began working for Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1979 and eventually transferred to Amtrak as a conductor, retiring in 2013. While with Amtrak, he received the company's national Award of Excellence. He was a long-time member of the Sons of American Legion and the BPOE Elks Club in Jefferson City. One of his favorite activities for over forty years was his annual trout fishing trip with his buddies. He loved to laugh and make other people laugh too. And he loved his dog, Yoda. Survivors include his wife, Tina, of the home; his mother, Joyce Lewis, Jefferson City; three sons, Jamie Lewis of Springfield; Ben Lewis of Troy; and Jason Keene (Teresa) of Kansas City; one daughter, Jennifer Long (Jamie) of Jamestown; and nine grandchildren; and two sisters, Julie Kreps (Steve) of Warrenton; and Nancy Sell (Randy) of Hartsburg. He was preceded in death by his father. Visitation will be Noon-2 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2017, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Buchholz officiating. Entombment will be in Riverview Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Afghans for Angels in care of First United Methodist Church, 201 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.