OXFORD – John J. “Jack” Lewis, 87, formerly of Greene Street in Oxford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford. His family was at his bedside.
Born Feb. 24, 1924 in Frankfort, Jack was the son of John and Edith (Caldwell) Lewis. He was graduated from Camden High School in 1941 before earning his Associate’s Degree from Morrisville College. He joined the Navy during World War II and served as a hospital technician first class until 1946. On Jan. 27, 1945, while in the Navy, Jack married Elma Ann Schardt in Baldwin, Long Island. Following his discharge from active service, Jack worked for 27 years for Borden Farm Producers of NY in Oxford and later for the NYS Department of Ag and Markets, retiring in the 1980s. After his retirement, he performed milk testing for Coventry Hauling.
In his spare time, Jack loved his camp in the Town of German, especially the time spent with his grandchildren. There was also a special spot in his heart for “Ol’ Blue,” his 1961 Chevy.
Jack was a charter member of the Oxford Lions Club. He was also a Shriner and a Mason and a member of the Oxford American Legion as well as a member of the United Church of Oxford. Jack also served on the Oxford Tree Board.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Elma, of Oxford are his children, John Evan Lewis and his wife, Catherine, of Binghamton, Jane Ellen Ford and her husband, Lewis, and Ann Pickrum Hodge, of Oxford and Mary Beth Lewis, of Kenmore, Wash.; ten grandchildren, Martha Leigh Lewis (Eric Eldred), Maegan Roddy (David), Marcy Lewis (Shannon Appler), Sarah Garrity (Matt), John Lewis Ford, Nathanial Ford, Lee Morgan Hodge (Jennifer), Nathan Hodge, Jesse Hodge (Catherine) and McKenna Lewis-Duax; eight great-grandchildren, Morgan, Adrienne, Taylor, Lilly, Preston and Cora Hodge, Owen Roddy and Madolyn Garrity. Jack was predeceased by his son-in-law, Terry Hodge.
A memorial service for Jack will be held at a later date at the United Church of Oxford. Burial will take place in West Schuyler.
Jack’s family is most grateful to the Oak Cottage staff at the NYS Veterans’ Home for their diligent, kind and compassionate care.
Contributions in memory of Jack may be made to the NYS Veterans Home, 4207 State Hwy. 220, Oxford, NY 13830, Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, or to the United Church of Oxford.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.