James G. Lewis' Obituary
James G. Lewis James G. Lewis, 45, a Lacey area resident for the past 5 years, was killed in the line of duty on April 27, 2004. Jim was born in Everett, WA and graduated from Everett High School. He joined the US Marine Corp and served as an MP honorably for 4 years. He earned an Associate Degree of Arts and Sciences through Everett Community College. He was a Reserve Police Officer for the Everett Police Force, then in 1985 he attended the Police Academy and graduated with honors to serve on the Tacoma Police Force until his death. Jim Lewis actively sought to live a life of public service in every way he could. He served his country in the Marine Corp as a Military Policeman, and he lived the motto Â"Semper FiÂ" (Always Faithful) in all aspects of his life. To serve his State while serving as a police officer, he also took on the additional responsibilities as a US Coast Guard Reservist for 2 years, using his law enforcement experience for ship boarding and Port Security missions protecting the water ways of Washington State. He served his county by being a member of the Tacoma/Pierce County Search and Rescue and he participated in excess of 100 search efforts in which he united his avocation (avid outdoorsman) and his vocation** (police officer) in an effort to serve others. He served his community by participating in programs such as COPS, teaching first aid classes, any many activities too much to mention. In 19 years of service to the city of Tacoma, Jim performed his duty as a patrolman in many facets; he walked the beat, rode on bicycle patrol, was a Primary Call Responder in a patrol car, trained for K-9 duty, was on the Disturbance Response Team and ultimately served as a motorcycle officer. He also worked off duty at the SeaTac Airport, and the Tacoma Dome, as well was snowmobile patrol.** Â"My object is to unite, my avocation and my vocation, as my two eyes make one sight.Â" Robert Frost, Â"Two Tramps in Mudtime.Â"Jim had a passion for the grandeur and beauty of the wilderness, and immersed himself in it at any chance he could. He was an avid mountain climber and had even climbed Mount McKinley. He loved to repel, ice climb, hike, canoe, kayak, scuba dive, hunt, fish, ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, go camping, boating, running, motorcycling, and had bicycled in just about every bicycle event in the area including the Courage Classic and the STP many times. Jim was a devoted husband and a proud father of a handsome son. He had recently taken a vacation to Thailand with his family to experience his wifeÂ's home country. His wife supported him in his ventures because Â"thatÂ's what he loved to do.Â"Jim met each day with enthusiasm and he set out to make the most of each moment. He knew how to live life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed.He is survived by his wife Kanchana and his son Nicholas; his mother Pauline; 3 brothers Jerry, Don, and Ron with 2 sisters-in-law; 2 sisters Gwynne, and Katherine; 4 nephews and nieces; as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles. Â"Dad, You are my only dad. I love you so much. IÂ'll never forget you. You will always be in my heart.Â"Funeral services will be at the Tacoma Dome on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at 10:30AM. Donations may be made to Officer Lewis at TAPCO Credit Union. A public viewing will be available on Monday, May 3, 2004 from 10AM Â- 9PM and on Tuesday, May 4, 2004 from 10AM-2PM at the Mountain View Funeral HomeÂ's Celebration of Life Building, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA. 98499
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