Dr. James Leon Lewis Jr.

Dr. James Leon Lewis Jr. was one of America's quiet heroes. A man who seldom talked about himself and his accomplishments, his list was a mile long. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana and later growing up in Oklahoma City and then Houston, TX, he was the only child of Gladys Johnson and James Leon Lewis Sr and the first in his family to attend college. He was a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country on active duty and then the reserves for 20 years, retiring as a Major. As a Marine Corps rescue and test pilot, he was a key team member in Little Joe, Gemini, Mercury and Apollo missions. Jim was only 25 years old when he received worldwide recognition for being the helicopter pilot to rescue Gus Grissom and the Liberty Bell capsule during the Mercury Redstone 4 mission. While on his Far East deployment, he was recruited to NASA as an Engineer and had the privilege of being a key team member of most of NASA's history, including putting a man on the moon and designing the International Space Station. While Jim accomplished so much at such a young age, he also had a heart and mind full of passion for driving formula race cars and for his soul mate, whom he met on the race track and would go on to wed and spend 42 blissful, married years. With Ghislaine's support, he earned his Master's degree in Psychology and PhD in Human Factors Engineering from the University of Houston, while still working at NASA and raising two kids. His work ethic and drive were unyielding, however if you ever asked him, the accomplishments he was most proud of were marrying the love of his life, Ghislaine Gamble, and raising two sons, Christopher and Philip Lewis. Having lived a full life with great meaning, his distinguished kindness, demeanor and devotion to his wife and children were so clearly apparent to all who knew him and will be his legacy. He is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Philip, and his two Granddaughters, Walker Ghislaine Lewis (4) and Stevie Louise Lewis (2); and also last but not least, his loving, caring companion of over 12 years, Pepper.

We invite Jim's friends and loved ones to join his family for a Celebration of Life service, including military honors and a reception, on Monday June 5th from 11am - 2pm at Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity Dr, Houston, TX 77057. The service will commence at 11 am, with the reception immediately following from 12 - 2 pm. Beverages and lunch will be served. If possible, please bring a favorite photograph of Jim and write a small note on the back for our memory book.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/houston-cremation for the Lewis Jr. family.