James Oscar Lewis

James "Jimmy" Oscar Lewis, 76, of Aztec, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2013, after a short struggle with cancer. He was born September 12, 1936, to Charles Otis and Pearl Cox Lewis in Syracuse, Kansas. After graduating from business college, Jimmy married Juanita Westeman, September 2, 1956, in Syracuse, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, Jim and Juanita headed west to Farmington. Jimmy worked various jobs before he started his 32- year career with El Paso Natural Gas Co. He worked in Farmington, Aneth, Utah, Blanco, Aztec and then back to Farmington before retiring in 1987. Jimmy was a talented man. He was an excellent carpenter, mechanic and Mr. Fix-it. One of his many passions was restoring vintage cars. Jimmy loved his family and friends, and never did Jimmy meet a stranger. He was the last surviving of 10 children, with a sister passing away just a few hours before he did. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Juanita Lewis; son, Terry (Dianne) Lewis; daughter, Kathy (Larry) McMaster; grandchildren, Melissa (Joe) Pye, Tonya (Preston) Hendrix, Jason (Amanda) Lewis and Chris (Andrea) McMaster. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren. A viewing will be 3 to 7 p.m. today, September 5, at Alternative Choice, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 6, also at Alternative Choice. Burial will follow in the Aztec Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason Lewis, Joe Pye, Preston Hendrix, Larry McMaster, Steve Wylie and Ron Knowlton. Honorary pallbearers are Pete Bauer, Jim Wayburn, Ferde Ogren, Tim Jones and everyone in the Four Corners Old Car Club. Jimmy's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611.