Dr. James M Lewis

James M. Lewis, MD, age 84, died peacefully with family on 20 February 2022 following a long battle against leukemia/lymphoma.

Jim was born to Gomer and Elizabeth Lewis on 18 February 1938 in Ravenna, Ohio. He graduated from RHS in 1956, lettering in football and basketball. He also first met his lifelong partner and soulmate, Patsie O'Neil, marrying in 1961.

Jim attended undergraduate college at both DePauw and Kent State graduating in 1960. He then enrolled at Ohio State University receiving his M.D. diploma in 1964. His postgraduate education included an internship at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, a general surgery residency at Akron City Hospital and a plastic surgery residency, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY. During this period of time, he also served six years in the United States Army Reserve (USAR), primarily as a surgeon with the 2291st General Hospital Unit, retiring as a Major.

Jim returned to Akron in 1970 with his young family, to begin the private practice of plastic surgery with the newly formed Akron Plastic Surgeons. Jim practiced as both a group and solo medical practitioner, retiring after 33 years in 2003. In addition to his practice, he was the Program Director of the Summa Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency for 22 years and Chief of Plastic Surgery at AGMC for 33 years. He was the Director of Medical Education at Akron General Medical Center (AGMC) for 4 years. Following retirement from his private practice, Jim served as the Director of the Summa Plastic Surgery Clinic where he was able to continue the enjoyable interaction and mentorship of plastic surgery residents until his final retirement in 2016.

Jim's greatest accomplishments were the loving and enduring marriage to Patsie lasting over 60 wonderful years; his three children, Deborah (Eric Wegner), COL Michael Lewis (Lauren), Martha (Matthew Sexton); 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. His favorite activity was spending quality time with family and friends at the Lake Mohawk cottage in Carroll Co., Ohio and cottages at Lakeside & Catawba Island. Jim avidly supported the Cleveland Browns, Cavs, Akron U basketball Zips and his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Jim loved fishing and particularly the game of golf, organizing multiple charity golf outings for several Methodist churches.

The family is both grateful and thankful for all the physicians, nurses and support staffs' loving care over the many years he dealt with cancer and cardiac difficulties at both AGMC/SUMMA. A special tribute to Esther Rehmus M.D. for her compassionate and endless counsel.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M. SATURDAY, February 26, 2022 at First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 with Pastor Mike Ward officiating. Calling Hours will be FRIDAY, February 25 from 4-7 P.M. at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron, OH 44333. Family requests you wear a facemask. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Lewis Plastic Surgery Education Fund, Summa Foundation, 525 E. Market St, Akron, 44304 or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, 5700 Brecksville Rd, Independence, Ohio.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road  Akron OH  44333.