Jimmie Gayle Lewis

We are saddened to announce the death of Jim G. Lewis, of Signal Mountain, on June 12, 2020. Jim was a loving husband to Emogene, father to Jennifer, father-in-law to Pete, grandfather to Madeleine and Simon, and teacher/mentor to hundreds. Jim was born in Atlanta, Texas, son of A.J. and Lessie Mae Lewis, and brother to Don and Fred. He grew up in Bossier City, Louisiana, before going to Baylor University where he met Emogene. Jim later earned a Master’s Degree at the University of North Carolina and a PhD in Theatre History from the University of Texas. He, Emogene, and Jennifer moved to Chattanooga in 1969 where Jim took a faculty position in the Department of Theatre. He remained on faculty until his retirement. To know Jim was to love him. He was an eternal optimist who always saw the good in every situation and in every person he met. Jim had a passion for the performing arts. In addition to the countless UTC productions in which he was involved as director or designer, he served on the Boards of the Chattanooga Ballet and the Southern Writers’ Conference. His other loves included music, travel, great food, college basketball, and good conversation. But his primary love was his family, and we are heartbroken to say goodbye, but thankful he is at peace. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church or the UTC Department of Theatre. Services will be held privately. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 (423) 877-3524 lanefh.com.