James Eugene Lewis passed away Wednesday Dec. 8, 2010, at the SUN Home Hospice Care Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Jan. 11, 1927 to Cora and Joseph Lewis in Sunbury. He married Ruth Marie Stevens on Nov. 16, 1947 and enjoyed life with her until her passing on Jan. 13, 1983. On Jan. 20, 1990 he married Margaret Alta Harmon Snyder.
He attended Sunbury schools and was called to active Naval duty just weeks before graduation. He finally received his diploma and proudly graduated with his granddaughter, Ashley in 2003.
Jim enlisted on Jan. 4, 1945, serving the Navy in the Engineering Branch aboard the USS Zane (DD-337), until his honorable discharge on July 6, 1946. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.
As a child began working with his father at the Sunbury Water Co., Jim hauled ice by tractor and loaded railroad cars with ice for use in air conditioning and refrigeration. His career with the Municipal Authority began in 1956 when the city acquired the Water Co., and lasted until his retirement in 1993. Starting as a laborer, he worked his way up as lab technician, filter plant operator, chief operator, foreman, and then in 1967, City Water Department Manager. He also was active in the regional and state levels of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association as Region 5 Director (1986-1989, 1992-1995), served on the editorial advisory committee, and was recognized as an honorary life member. He served as PMAA president in 1998. In 1991, as a representative for the PMAA, he was chosen as 1 of 13 American delegates to review Russian Water Purification systems, some of which were 40 years behind US technologies, under the Citizen Ambassador Program of People to People International, founded by President Eisenhower in 1956. During this trip he and his wife traveled to Russia and Finland. He was offered a delegate position to China, Thailand and others. He was unable to attend. He served as a Trustee (1985-1989) with the American Water Works Association, from which he received an Operator Meritorious Service Award in 1991, Shali Award - 20 Years of service, Extended Service Award - 30 Years Service, J E "Ted" Kuhn Extended Service Award-50 Years. Jim was also long-time instructor for the Department of Community Affairs, training state water personnel for certification as water plant operators. He was a Life Member of the Water Works Operators Association of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Emergency Management Agency. He was on the committee for the planning and construction of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. He worked in tandem with the Army Corps of Engineers on the Flood Wall construction and the Adam T. Bower Fabri-Dam. In 1997, the Sunbury Water Co. had its name changed to James (Jim) Lewis Water Treatment Plant.
Jim was also known as one of Santa's lead helper elves. He enjoyed 17 years as Santa, with Margaret as Mrs. Claus. It started as an accident while shopping at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. A security officer approached and took him to the mall management office where he was hired on the spot. He participated in parades and special holiday events throughout the years bringing happiness to many, as well as to him and Margaret.
Jim loved to travel with Margaret on local driving excursions. He enjoyed bus trips around the Northeast and to Tennessee. They also traveled to the Netherlands, France and Italy. Visits to family included trips to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. His hobbies also included model trains, building of track environments, operating CB and Ham radios. His handle was "The Big Drip." He also enjoyed gardening, doing puzzles and any type of tinkering.
Jim was very active in the community organizations. He and other boaters founded the Northumberland Boat Club. They also started the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. He held offices in The Sunbury Lions Club, The PA Elks State Assoc, Lodge 267 (30 year member, received Citizen of Year 2002, 2009), The American Legion Post 44 (50 year member), and Saint Luke's (member since 1927). He was also a member of Americus Hose Company, Loyal Order of The Moose, as well as others. Jim and his son, Gary, became members in the Order of the Arrow together in 1966, for The Boy Scouts of America.
He was an extraordinarily loving son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great- grandfather.
He was born Jan. 11, 1927 to Cora and Joseph Lewis in Sunbury. He married Ruth Marie Stevens on Nov. 16, 1947 and enjoyed life with her until her passing on Jan. 13, 1983. On Jan. 20, 1990 he married Margaret Alta Harmon Snyder.
He attended Sunbury schools and was called to active Naval duty just weeks before graduation. He finally received his diploma and proudly graduated with his granddaughter, Ashley in 2003.
Jim enlisted on Jan. 4, 1945, serving the Navy in the Engineering Branch aboard the USS Zane (DD-337), until his honorable discharge on July 6, 1946. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.
As a child began working with his father at the Sunbury Water Co., Jim hauled ice by tractor and loaded railroad cars with ice for use in air conditioning and refrigeration. His career with the Municipal Authority began in 1956 when the city acquired the Water Co., and lasted until his retirement in 1993. Starting as a laborer, he worked his way up as lab technician, filter plant operator, chief operator, foreman, and then in 1967, City Water Department Manager. He also was active in the regional and state levels of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association as Region 5 Director (1986-1989, 1992-1995), served on the editorial advisory committee, and was recognized as an honorary life member. He served as PMAA president in 1998. In 1991, as a representative for the PMAA, he was chosen as 1 of 13 American delegates to review Russian Water Purification systems, some of which were 40 years behind US technologies, under the Citizen Ambassador Program of People to People International, founded by President Eisenhower in 1956. During this trip he and his wife traveled to Russia and Finland. He was offered a delegate position to China, Thailand and others. He was unable to attend. He served as a Trustee (1985-1989) with the American Water Works Association, from which he received an Operator Meritorious Service Award in 1991, Shali Award - 20 Years of service, Extended Service Award - 30 Years Service, J E "Ted" Kuhn Extended Service Award-50 Years. Jim was also long-time instructor for the Department of Community Affairs, training state water personnel for certification as water plant operators. He was a Life Member of the Water Works Operators Association of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Emergency Management Agency. He was on the committee for the planning and construction of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. He worked in tandem with the Army Corps of Engineers on the Flood Wall construction and the Adam T. Bower Fabri-Dam. In 1997, the Sunbury Water Co. had its name changed to James (Jim) Lewis Water Treatment Plant.
Jim was also known as one of Santa's lead helper elves. He enjoyed 17 years as Santa, with Margaret as Mrs. Claus. It started as an accident while shopping at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. A security officer approached and took him to the mall management office where he was hired on the spot. He participated in parades and special holiday events throughout the years bringing happiness to many, as well as to him and Margaret.
Jim loved to travel with Margaret on local driving excursions. He enjoyed bus trips around the Northeast and to Tennessee. They also traveled to the Netherlands, France and Italy. Visits to family included trips to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. His hobbies also included model trains, building of track environments, operating CB and Ham radios. His handle was "The Big Drip." He also enjoyed gardening, doing puzzles and any type of tinkering.
Jim was very active in the community organizations. He and other boaters founded the Northumberland Boat Club. They also started the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. He held offices in The Sunbury Lions Club, The PA Elks State Assoc, Lodge 267 (30 year member, received Citizen of Year 2002, 2009), The American Legion Post 44 (50 year member), and Saint Luke's (member since 1927). He was also a member of Americus Hose Company, Loyal Order of The Moose, as well as others. Jim and his son, Gary, became members in the Order of the Arrow together in 1966, for The Boy Scouts of America.
He was an extraordinarily loving son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great- grandfather.
James Eugene Lewis passed away Wednesday Dec. 8, 2010, at the SUN Home Hospice Care Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Jan. 11, 1927 to Cora and Joseph Lewis in Sunbury. He married Ruth Marie Stevens on Nov. 16, 1947 and enjoyed life with her until her passing on Jan. 13, 1983. On Jan. 20, 1990 he married Margaret Alta Harmon Snyder.
He attended Sunbury schools and was called to active Naval duty just weeks before graduation. He finally received his diploma and proudly graduated with his granddaughter, Ashley in 2003.
Jim enlisted on Jan. 4, 1945, serving the Navy in the Engineering Branch aboard the USS Zane (DD-337), until his honorable discharge on July 6, 1946. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.
As a child began working with his father at the Sunbury Water Co., Jim hauled ice by tractor and loaded railroad cars with ice for use in air conditioning and refrigeration. His career with the Municipal Authority began in 1956 when the city acquired the Water Co., and lasted until his retirement in 1993. Starting as a laborer, he worked his way up as lab technician, filter plant operator, chief operator, foreman, and then in 1967, City Water Department Manager. He also was active in the regional and state levels of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association as Region 5 Director (1986-1989, 1992-1995), served on the editorial advisory committee, and was recognized as an honorary life member. He served as PMAA president in 1998. In 1991, as a representative for the PMAA, he was chosen as 1 of 13 American delegates to review Russian Water Purification systems, some of which were 40 years behind US technologies, under the Citizen Ambassador Program of People to People International, founded by President Eisenhower in 1956. During this trip he and his wife traveled to Russia and Finland. He was offered a delegate position to China, Thailand and others. He was unable to attend. He served as a Trustee (1985-1989) with the American Water Works Association, from which he received an Operator Meritorious Service Award in 1991, Shali Award - 20 Years of service, Extended Service Award - 30 Years Service, J E "Ted" Kuhn Extended Service Award-50 Years. Jim was also long-time instructor for the Department of Community Affairs, training state water personnel for certification as water plant operators. He was a Life Member of the Water Works Operators Association of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Emergency Management Agency. He was on the committee for the planning and construction of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. He worked in tandem with the Army Corps of Engineers on the Flood Wall construction and the Adam T. Bower Fabri-Dam. In 1997, the Sunbury Water Co. had its name changed to James (Jim) Lewis Water Treatment Plant.
Jim was also known as one of Santa's lead helper elves. He enjoyed 17 years as Santa, with Margaret as Mrs. Claus. It started as an accident while shopping at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. A security officer approached and took him to the mall management office where he was hired on the spot. He participated in parades and special holiday events throughout the years bringing happiness to many, as well as to him and Margaret.
Jim loved to travel with Margaret on local driving excursions. He enjoyed bus trips around the Northeast and to Tennessee. They also traveled to the Netherlands, France and Italy. Visits to family included trips to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. His hobbies also included model trains, building of track environments, operating CB and Ham radios. His handle was "The Big Drip." He also enjoyed gardening, doing puzzles and any type of tinkering.
Jim was very active in the community organizations. He and other boaters founded the Northumberland Boat Club. They also started the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. He held offices in The Sunbury Lions Club, The PA Elks State Assoc, Lodge 267 (30 year member, received Citizen of Year 2002, 2009), The American Legion Post 44 (50 year member), and Saint Luke's (member since 1927). He was also a member of Americus Hose Company, Loyal Order of The Moose, as well as others. Jim and his son, Gary, became members in the Order of the Arrow together in 1966, for The Boy Scouts of America.
He was an extraordinarily loving son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great- grandfather.
He was born Jan. 11, 1927 to Cora and Joseph Lewis in Sunbury. He married Ruth Marie Stevens on Nov. 16, 1947 and enjoyed life with her until her passing on Jan. 13, 1983. On Jan. 20, 1990 he married Margaret Alta Harmon Snyder.
He attended Sunbury schools and was called to active Naval duty just weeks before graduation. He finally received his diploma and proudly graduated with his granddaughter, Ashley in 2003.
Jim enlisted on Jan. 4, 1945, serving the Navy in the Engineering Branch aboard the USS Zane (DD-337), until his honorable discharge on July 6, 1946. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the WWII Victory Medal.
As a child began working with his father at the Sunbury Water Co., Jim hauled ice by tractor and loaded railroad cars with ice for use in air conditioning and refrigeration. His career with the Municipal Authority began in 1956 when the city acquired the Water Co., and lasted until his retirement in 1993. Starting as a laborer, he worked his way up as lab technician, filter plant operator, chief operator, foreman, and then in 1967, City Water Department Manager. He also was active in the regional and state levels of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association as Region 5 Director (1986-1989, 1992-1995), served on the editorial advisory committee, and was recognized as an honorary life member. He served as PMAA president in 1998. In 1991, as a representative for the PMAA, he was chosen as 1 of 13 American delegates to review Russian Water Purification systems, some of which were 40 years behind US technologies, under the Citizen Ambassador Program of People to People International, founded by President Eisenhower in 1956. During this trip he and his wife traveled to Russia and Finland. He was offered a delegate position to China, Thailand and others. He was unable to attend. He served as a Trustee (1985-1989) with the American Water Works Association, from which he received an Operator Meritorious Service Award in 1991, Shali Award - 20 Years of service, Extended Service Award - 30 Years Service, J E "Ted" Kuhn Extended Service Award-50 Years. Jim was also long-time instructor for the Department of Community Affairs, training state water personnel for certification as water plant operators. He was a Life Member of the Water Works Operators Association of Pennsylvania and was a member of the Emergency Management Agency. He was on the committee for the planning and construction of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. He worked in tandem with the Army Corps of Engineers on the Flood Wall construction and the Adam T. Bower Fabri-Dam. In 1997, the Sunbury Water Co. had its name changed to James (Jim) Lewis Water Treatment Plant.
Jim was also known as one of Santa's lead helper elves. He enjoyed 17 years as Santa, with Margaret as Mrs. Claus. It started as an accident while shopping at the Susquehanna Valley Mall. A security officer approached and took him to the mall management office where he was hired on the spot. He participated in parades and special holiday events throughout the years bringing happiness to many, as well as to him and Margaret.
Jim loved to travel with Margaret on local driving excursions. He enjoyed bus trips around the Northeast and to Tennessee. They also traveled to the Netherlands, France and Italy. Visits to family included trips to Texas, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. His hobbies also included model trains, building of track environments, operating CB and Ham radios. His handle was "The Big Drip." He also enjoyed gardening, doing puzzles and any type of tinkering.
Jim was very active in the community organizations. He and other boaters founded the Northumberland Boat Club. They also started the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. He held offices in The Sunbury Lions Club, The PA Elks State Assoc, Lodge 267 (30 year member, received Citizen of Year 2002, 2009), The American Legion Post 44 (50 year member), and Saint Luke's (member since 1927). He was also a member of Americus Hose Company, Loyal Order of The Moose, as well as others. Jim and his son, Gary, became members in the Order of the Arrow together in 1966, for The Boy Scouts of America.
He was an extraordinarily loving son, brother, husband, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great- grandfather.
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