James "Jim" O. Lewis

Jim Lewis, 92, formerly of Carmel, IN passed away February 5, 2024 in Trinity, FL, where he moved to be near family in November 2022. Jim was born July 29, 1931 to the late Myrel and Martha (Deitz) Lewis in Indianapolis, IN, graduating from Arsenal Technical High School. In the middle of earning a BS in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, Jim and Clella (Cotton) were married on August 10,1952 in Carmel Friends Church. They eventually moved to Carmel to raise their family where he pinnacled his unofficial Carmel-Adoptive-Son status by serving on the Carmel Clay Planning Commission.

As an architect, Jim built a varied career which included creating and serving as president of the architectural firm Lewis, Shimer & Associates. Additional integral positions included those at Indiana Church Builders and Community Hospitals of Indiana.

Jim loved to travel. Many vacations were spent traveling the USA with his wife and children. As empty nesters, Jim and Clella traveled the world. Their adventures included a safari in Africa and visits to a total of 6 continents, 43 countries and all 50 states. Jim also loved lighthouses having personally visited over 100 of the 435 that he and Clella were able to locate and photograph.

Early hobbies included camping, ski-boating, fishing, golf, cabinet making and woodworking. In retirement his hobbies expanded to playing the organ - a 2 keyboard Lowrey - with weekly outings with Clella for lessons and the occasional recital and concert. They also volunteered their time at the Welcome Desk at Carmel St. Vincent Hospital for more than ten years. Prior to his move to Florida, Jim was a member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Clella (Cotton) Lewis, and brother, Merle “Bill” Lewis.

Survivors include children, Matt (Dan) Lewis, Lauri (Tom) Willson, and Alana (JD) Blake; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Bob Lewis, and many nieces and nephews.

A small, family Celebration of Life Service will be followed by a committal ceremony for the burial of Jim and Clella’s cremains.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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