James "Jimmy" A. Lewis

January 31, 1945 - October 13, 2020

James “Jimmy” A. Lewis - Nashville James A. Lewis passed away Oct. 13, 2020, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, another life lost to complications from COVID-19. Such was his spirit, he was the sort of fellow you thought would live forever. Jimmy, as he was known, was something of a legend in these parts, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supported such causes as his church, Scottsboro United Methodist, Scottsboro Community Center, Room In The Inn homeless shelter and others. He packed a lot of life into his 75 years. Jimmy was born on Jan. 31, 1945, in Paris, Texas, son of Malcolm and Mildred Lewis. He grew up in Nashville, the place he was proud to call home. He married his high school sweetheart, Hilda M. Lewis, and over 56 years, they shared a zest for life with their three children and then two precious grandchildren. The family’s farm brimmed with love and laughter. Jimmy loved the coin-operated amusement business and Lewis Market and Gas Station. If you played pinball or bought a pack of cigarettes around Nashville, he was likely behind it. One of his nicknames was “Jukebox Jimmy.” He also developed real estate and built several restaurants, including Boundr’y and South Street. One of his favorite commercial projects was the Young Executive Office Building named for country music legend Faron Young. Such a full life: Jimmy was devoted to his family and church, enjoyed life on the farm, hosted a huge Christmas party for friends and colleagues, and enjoyed flying with his son, Bryan, and good friend, Bobby Joslin. He is survived by his wife, Hilda; three children – James Bryan Lewis and his wife, Tana, Bradford Jason Lewis and his wife, Renee, and Ginger M. Lewis, all of Nashville; and two grandchildren – C.J. Dollarhide and Sadye Jo-Marie Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Mildred Lewis. A service to celebrate his life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Jimmy and Hilda Lewis farm. This will be an outdoor event with space to socially distance. Casual attire is encouraged. Honorary pallbearers are Charlie King, Charlie Brown, Moses Lobetti, Hon. Robert Echols (retired federal judge), David Hornbuckle, Carl “Sonny” Dollarhide, Billy Douglas, Peter Marcello, Bobby Joslin, Tom Sturdivant, Dr. Robert Pilkinton, Aubrey Harwell (Esq.), Tom Cone Sr., William “Bill” Freeman, Steve Smith (a.k.a. “Honky Tonk Godfather”), Ludye Wallace, Rev. Enoch Fuzz, Kevin Hatfield, Paul T. Housch (Esq.), James “Jim” Boyd, Mike Young, Michael Young, Roger Hamlett and Chief Joe Casey. So blessed was Jimmy, he had too many friends to mention them all here. Rather than flowers, a gift in his memory can be made to Nashville Humane Society, 213 Oceola Ave., Nashville, Tenn. 37209. To make a memorial gift to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, please make out a check payable to the Center and mail it to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development, Gift and Donor Services, 3322 West End Ave., Suite 900, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Gifts will support Kidney Transplant Research – Dr. Langone. Please include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made in memory of James A. Lewis. To make a gift by phone, please call (800) 288-0028. Gifts can also be made online at www.VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.” Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home in Nashville is taking care of the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.phillipsrobinson.com.