Obituary of Lewis Albert James

Lewis Albert James, 77, of 4478 West Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, passed away Tuesday May 6, 2014, in his home following a seven year battle with cancer. He was born December 13, 1936, in Jamestown, a son of the late Leon and Lucile Davenport James of Ashville. He attended Ashville Grade School and Chautauqua Central School. Following school he worked with his father and brothers at Leon James and Sons. In 1968 the business name was changed to Tri James Services, Inc., where he currently serves as president alongside his sons Duane and Rex James. He loved to drive dump truck for his company until ill health prevented him from doing so. He also owned James Lakefront Camping on Fairmount Avenue where you could always find him around campfires and laughing with friends. He always enjoyed being around people whether trying to beat the girls in cribbage, overseeing many family projects or vacationing in Jupiter, FL. Some of his fondest memories were going to the dog track in West Palm Beach and watching NASCAR races. He was recently featured as one of the stock car drivers of the 1950s who raced at the Roll O Bowl in Watts Flats. Surviving are his wife the former Pauline Kranking, whom he married June 30, 1955; children Duane James of Lakewood, Rex (Michelle) James of Ashville, Sally (Andrew) Klinginsmith of Jupiter, FL and Laura (Robert) Roush of Lakewood; grandchildren Courtney (Mat) Barron of Lakewood, Lindsey (James) Wiggins of Lexington, SC, Ashley (Matt) Miller of Lexington, SC, Heather and Keith Klinginsmith of Jupiter, FL, Justin Klinginsmith of Tampa, FL and Alexander and Derek Bower of Lakewood; great grandchildren Alexis and Callen Barron of Lakewood and Landon and Sadie Wiggins of Lexington, SC; and brothers Alvin (Betty Jean) James of Anderson, SC and Clyde James of Lakewood. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter Catherine Dougherty; son-in-law John Dougherty; daughter-in-law Jodie James; sisters Dorothy Seeley and Phyllis Barton; brothers Donald, LeRoy and Walter James; brother-in-law Roger Seeley and sister-in-law Sandra James. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Roy E. Ferguson will officiate. Friends will be received from 6-9 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Busti Church of God, 996 Forest Avenue, Ext., Jamestown, NY 14701 or a charity of choice You may light a candle in remembrance of Lewis at www.lindfuneralhome.com.