From the East Bay Times, Alameda, CA:

James “Jim” Lewis passed away peacefully on October 25, 2021, at home in Alameda surrounded by his loving family after living with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for the last five years. Family, friends, and colleagues grieve the loss of this wonderful person, who will be remembered for his keen intellect, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and kindness.

Jim was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 14, 1950, to Joe Ben Lewis and Marion (Leach) Lewis. Always a stellar student, Jim was valedictorian at Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City. He was further distinguished as a National Merit Scholar, earning the honor of being one of two students from each state to attend a White House dinner with President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. As a member of his high school debate team, Jim had occasion to debate future U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, notably one of his few debate losses. Jim earned his undergraduate degree in economics and math from Yale and his law degree from Stanford. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1976. He became a partner in the San Francisco law firm of McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen LLP (later Bingham McCutchen) practicing antitrust law before becoming a patent litigator and chair of the firm’s intellectual property group.

In 1976, Jim was introduced to Nancy Warnke, a law librarian also working in San Francisco. They were married in Alameda in 1983, where they made their home and life together. Daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Lewis, completed the family in 1989.

Jim enjoyed many memorable travels with Nancy, Maggie, and friends over the years, exploring many cities and tropical destinations together. He researched trips with a knack for finding unique experiences and memorable excursions. A pre-cruise stay in Switzerland, for example, provided an opportunity to take a tram, train, and city bus to Liechtenstein for the day, garnering him a ceremonial passport stamp for just one Euro. With various cameras, Jim photographed many family smiles, iconic sites, snorkeling trips, cruise ships, and panoramic scenery from places around the world.

Jim’s love of cooking extended to him and Nancy hosting gatherings and parties in their home with gracious hospitality, great food, and a touch of whimsy. A voracious reader with a curious mind, Jim was the clever addition to many a trivia team. As the primary author of the family’s annual Christmas letter, Jim told tales with warmth, honesty, and humility – with the perfect turn of a phrase. He welcomed conversations with family and friends, proving to be a good listener and wise counselor.

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11/8/21, 1:01 PM James Lewis Obituary (1950 – 2021) – Alameda, CA – East Bay Times

Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alameda. He and Nancy shared pride and gratitude in having been able to attend daughter Maggie’s graduation from seminary and her ordination as a pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2018.

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nancy Lewis; his daughter, Reverend Maggie Lewis, of Hamilton, Montana; his sister, Catherine Lewis, of Bellaire, Texas, his aunt, Dora Lee Henry, of Abilene, Texas, and other dear family and friends. He also leaves behind his “best cat,” Dewey, one of a long line of beloved feline members of the family. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe Ben and Marion Lewis; his brother, John Stephen Lewis; his aunt, Catherine Caffee; and, his mother-in-law, Bernice Warnke.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), or another nonprofit close to your own heart. You also honor Jim’s memory each time you prepare a favorite meal for loved ones, tend a garden with care, learn from what you read, vote in earnest, and show love and kindness at every opportunity.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 13 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. Attendees must be fully Covid vaccinated and wear masks when gathering indoors per local health department guidelines. Private Graveside services were held at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto on Wednesday November 3, 2021. For further information please call, Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR- 745).