The Reverend Jim Lewis, a visionary Episcopal priest, veteran,
athlete, and lifelong advocate for social justice, died April 12,
2026, at age 90. Over six decades of ministry, he was known for his
steadfast commitment to the marginalized, his belief in community
organizing, and his deep devotion to family.

Born in Baltimore in 1935 to Earl Robertson and Sara Selfe, Jim served
as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, an
experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to peace and the
antiwar movement. He earned All-American honors as a lacrosse goalie
at Washington and Lee University and later completed both the Boston
and Marine Corps Marathons.

After receiving his M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary, Jim was
ordained in the Episcopal Church and served parishes across Maryland,
West Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Delaware. His ministry
addressed issues including women’s healthcare, childcare, the AIDS
crisis, LGBTQ+ rights, prison reform, racial justice, and economic
inequality, often placing him on the front lines of protest and civil
disobedience.

From 1974 to 1982, while serving St. John’s Episcopal Church in
Charleston, West Virginia, Jim became active during the West Virginia
Textbook War and helped found Manna Meal, which continues to provide
meals and support to those in need. He also co-founded the West
Virginia chapter of Patriots for Peace.

A leader in the anti-death penalty movement, he helped establish
People of Faith Against the Death Penalty in North Carolina. In
Delaware, he organized the Delmarva Poultry Justice Alliance and
helped launch initiatives including a Latino community center, a
health clinic for the poor, a shelter for battered women, and a
reentry program for formerly incarcerated men. His work was featured
on 60 Minutes in 1999. He also authored several books, including West
Virginia Pilgrim (1976) and The Gulf War: The Churches & Peacemaking
(1997), and received the West Virginia Governor’s Martin Luther King
Jr. “Living the Dream” Award in 1991.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Kendall (Mac Kendall) of
Durham NC, Katherine Lewis, Minneapolis MN, and Deborah Lewis, White
River Junction VT; daughter-in-law Michelle Hoge, Loveland OH; nine
grandchildren: Alex, Katherine, Lewis, Sarah, Jesse, Eva, Jackie,
Ellie, and Sammy; and one great-grandson, Thomas. He was preceded in
death by his wife of 55 years, Judith Graham Lewis, and their son,
Stephen.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on April 25, 2026, at St.
John’s Episcopal Church, 1105 Quarrier Street, Charleston, West
Virginia, with a reception to follow. The Rev. Dr. Carter Heyward will
preach, and the Rt. Rev. Matthew Cowden will preside.

St. John’s Episcopal Church will be livestreaming at
https://www.youtube.com/live/vhLX3Yyn4-4?si=QDaxfZR4Kz_GpX_6 or
https://www.facebook.com/st.charleston. (You may need to copy and paste the link to view.)

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to
WV FREE (wvfree.org or P.O. Box 11042, Charleston, WV 25339), Manna
Meal (mannameal.org or P.O. Box 3913, Charleston, WV 25339), or St.
Christopher’s Episcopal Church (821 Edgewood Drive, Charleston, WV
25302).

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.