Colonel James P. Lewis, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Colonel James P. Lewis, U.S. Army (Ret.), 93, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children. Known for his deep compassion, quick wit, and steadfast devotion to his family and country, Jim lived a life rooted in service, integrity, and love.

Born on July 21, 1932, in Newark, Delaware, to Conrad K. D. Lewis, Sr., and Arzie P. Lewis, Jim grew up with a strong sense of duty and curiosity. He was a proud native of the “First State,” and while his Army assignments took him across the country, he always remained a Delawarean.

He graduated from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in science (Class of 1954) and later earned his Master of Business Administration in 1976. Jim’s love of learning was a lifelong pursuit—through formal education, including the many military officer schools he attended, as well as through informal study and reflection. In recognition of his passion for education, in 2018 his family dedicated a study room in the University of Delaware’s Morris Library in his and his wife’s honor.

A proud veteran, Jim served in the United States Army for 30 years, beginning as a Second Lieutenant in Maryland and continuing through postings that included: Fort Richardson, Alaska; Fort McClellan, AL; Fort Benning, GA; Saigon, Vietnam; Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado; the Pentagon, Arlington, VA; Fort Dix, NJ; and Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He retired with the rank of full Colonel in 1984.

His military decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. He was a member of the American Society of Military Comptrollers, serving as President of the Chesapeake Chapter at Aberdeen Proving Ground, and was also a member of the Association of the United States Army. General Powers, who knew Jim across two of his military assignments, said the following about him at his retirement ceremony: “He is truly a professional who cares about his country, the Army, and the people who make up the Army. He is a dedicated officer who leads by example, coupled with hard work and genuine concern for the mission of his unit. He is the best comptroller that I have observed during my Army career.” He added, “Jim, you are one of the very best that has ever put a uniform on.”

Throughout his career, Jim embodied the values of justice, respect, and humanity. In his retirement letter he wrote, “We look forward to the future and trust that God will not only bless and guide us as we begin this new era in our lives, but also that He will give us and all Americans the strength and courage necessary to be His faithful stewards and the preservers of our nation’s precious freedoms.”

In recognition of Jim’s distinguished military career, his commitment to education, and his belief in lifting others up, his son Howard established the Lewis Family Veterans Scholarship, and the family has continued to grow that scholarship to support veterans in their pursuit of education at the University of Delaware.

Jim met the love of his life, Anna Weldin Lewis and began a partnership that spanned more than seven decades. Together they raised their four children and remained deeply connected to their extended families. Their marriage was a model of devotion and mutual respect, and Jim often said that Ann “co-served” in the Army as an officer’s wife. A natural connector, Jim made friends wherever he went — from Hawaii and Germany to Newark and beyond. His profound interest in others led many of those friends to consider him (and Ann) part of their families.

In high school, Jim was a proud Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He was also a drummer in the Newark High School Marching Band (Lead Drummer), the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company Marching Band, and the University of Delaware Marching Band (Lead Drummer). Before his marriage to Ann in 1954, Jim became a member of Newark United Methodist Church, where he and Ann were married and where he later escorted his daughters as well as his beloved nieces, Sharon and Sandy Weldin, down the aisle. As a Mason, he was a charter member of Solomon Lodge No. 36.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Ann; his four children, Dyane Lewis Carrere (Stephen Carrere), Howard Lewis (Pamela Lewis), Brian Lewis (Sarah Lewis), and Jennifer Frasher (Brian Frasher); his nine grandchildren, Marissa Carrere, Emily Carrere, Zachary Lewis, Makenna Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Hayley Lewis, Quinn Lewis, Alaina Frasher and Dylan Frasher; and four great-grandchildren, Oliver Oparowski, Louisa Carrere, Sylvie Giambrone, and Norah Giambrone. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Buckingham (Lewis Buckingham) and his brother Albert Lester Lewis (Shawn Lewis). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as many “bonus family members” and close friends whose lives he touched deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, E. Miriam Ayars; and his brothers, Conrad K. D. Lewis, Jr. and John Edmund Lewis.

On December 6, 2025, there will be a visitation from 12:00 noon through 12:45 pm, followed by a service to celebrate Jim’s life at 1:00 p.m. at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 East Main Street, Newark, DE. Guests are also invited to a reception in the church’s social hall at the close of the service. Jim will be laid to rest at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any of the following:  e.g., The Lewis Family Veterans Scholarship by clicking here, Habitat for Humanity by clicking here, Save the Children by clicking here, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here, and National Kidney Foundation by clicking here in honor of Jim’s lifelong commitment to education, service, and children.

Jim was a career military officer, a devoted husband, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a friend to many. He lived a long and full life, leaving behind a rich legacy of love and service.