Charlie James “Jim” Lewis
Jupiter – Charlie James “Jim” Lewis, of Jupiter, Fla., left these earthly bounds on Nov. 26, 2021, at the age of 73. Mr. Lewis was born in Provo, Utah on June 6, 1948, to Chuck and Ruth Lewis. Formally from Pueblo, Colo., Jim served with pride in the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to South Vietnam with Golf company 2nd battalion 5th Marines where he saw extensive action and was awarded the Purple Heart during the Tet offensive battle of Hue City in 1968. Following his service, he joined law enforcement with Scott County Iowa Sheriffs Dept. and earned his helicopter pilot license. He then moved to Florida to earn his college degree and pursue his goals of acting beginning with the Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training. He persevered with determination and long hours. He was selected for roles in more than 30 feature films and two TV series as an actor, the film double for Burt Reynolds and stuntman in many roles. Mr. Lewis continued in the business as a Hollywood cameraman, splitting his time between L.A. and Florida. His memory lives on in the films but most importantly as a true friend, a man with a warm smile, a great laugh, deep courage, wonderful compassion and a big heart. Mr. Lewis was involved with Peace Trees Vietnam, an organization that conducts unexploded mine mitigation in Vietnam and the building of kindergartens, libraries and community centers. Jim spearheaded the construction of a kindergarten and two libraries in honor of friends he lost in Vietnam. A project is being planned by Mr. Lewis’ family to be built in his honor. Donations can be made to Peace Trees Vietnam.org. Mr. Lewis is survived by his mother, Ruth Lewis, also of Jupiter; and son, Brent Lewis of Naperville, Ill.; and many cousins, dear friends and extended family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Posted online on January 12, 2022
Published in Pueblo Chieftain
