Obituary

James, Lewis, 85, East Taylor Township, passed away April 27, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Born May 5,1939, to the late Lewis and Harriet (Davis) James. Preceded in death by, loving wife Betty Lou James, sister, Florence Rose, brother-in-law, Ronald Gianakos and brother-in-law, Wayne Miller. Survived by beloved children, Randy and wife Cynthia (Sweeney); Rollie and wife Sherry (Mackell); Darla and husband John Poloyac; Carrie and husband Ryan Young; grandchildren, Wade James (Tabitha); Lindsey Corcetti (Mike); Shawn James (Chrystal); Chad James (Shawna); Nathan James (Nicolette); Johnny Poloyac (Melissa); Alyssa Terchanik (Christian); Mitchell Poloyac (Brittany); Bailee, Reagan and Bryce Bair (Savanna Popma); great grandchildren, Addison, Liv, Taven, Jet, Silas, Louden, Axel, Austin, Ella Mae, Ivy Ann, Jay, Jaxson, Abigail, Thomas John, and Nolan; sister-in-law, Janie Miller; brother-in-law, Donald Rose; sister-in-law, Beverly Gianakos; niece, Tanya Lauer (Joe) Cameron and Carsen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lew began college at Penn State University in the Engineering Program upon his high school graduation. It was here as he climbed to the top of the infamous Penn State water tower that he would lay out the plans for his future. He promptly climbed back down, left school, and hitchhiked the entire way to Texas to be with the love of his life Betty Lou Miller who was serving in Brethren Ministries there. Lew started Lewis R. James Excavating and held the title of President for the next 60 years. He was a Certified Water Works Operator for 50 years and a member of the PA Rural Water Operators. He enjoyed traveling with Betty Lou in their RV, riding on his side by side, camping at Lake Raystown and family beach trips where he loved to go crabbing with the family. His family was his greatest love, but his greatest accomplishments were by far the number of people that he witnessed his faith to and led to the Lord. He was an active member at West Hills Community Church. Dad made it a point to get to know every one of his employees and enjoyed throwing our annual Christmas Party every year. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Family will receive friends Sunday May 4th from 1-8 p.m. at Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 1521 Frankstown Rd., where a service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. Pastor Dave Streets, officiating. Committal to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lewis’s name to AseraCare Hospice, 100 CTC Drive, Suite 110, Johnstown, PA 15904. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com