LEWIS, Jim

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, September 25, 2015 Jim Lewis of Prescott, Arizona, passed away on Sept. 14, 2015, at the age of 82. Jim was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1933, and was the oldest of five sons of Alfred and Marjorie Lewis. He attended Pennsylvania State University ("Penn State"), where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, and graduated with a degree in industrial engineering in 1955. He later received an M.B.A from the University of Chicago. During his 30 year career with Continental Can Company, Inc., Jim held positions of increasing responsibility, including as General Manager, White Cap Division - International Operations; and Vice President and General Manager, White Cap Domestic Operations; and at one point was responsible for more than 1500 employees. During the latter part of his career, he was a leader in computer integrated manufacturing and was a member of a 1980 trade delegation to China. When he retired at age 55, he was serving as President, Continental Containers Systems. Among his many achievements and honors, Jim was a recipient of Penn State's 1988 Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award. After his retirement, Jim and his beloved wife Barbara moved to Morro Bay, California, where they were active members of the community. Jim was a member of the Morro Bay Yacht Club, Chamber of Commerce and Elks Lodge, and was a small business consultant for S.C.O.R.E. A man of many talents, Jim taught himself to play a variety of musical instruments and had been an avid golfer, tennis player, sailor and reader of mysteries. His insightful mind, sense of humor, and compassion for others will be greatly missed by those who knew him. He was especially proud of his volunteer work at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center, and attended American Lutheran Church in Prescott. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara; three children, Dr. Kathleen Lewis (husband Dr. Robert Taylor), Flint H. Lewis (wife Patricia Vallano) and Francis L. White (wife Diane Alexander); six grandchildren; three brothers John, William, and Alfred; three brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, David. A private service will be held for the family. Donations in Jim's name can be made to either the Prescott Public Library or the Yavapai Humane Society. Information provided by survivors.