Arlie James Lewis

Arlie James "Jim" Lewis, 80, of Garland, passed away on November 25, 2020 at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Jim was born August 5, 1940, in Henryetta, Oklahoma, to Charles Arlie and Nadine (Caywood) Lewis. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1964, with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. As part of his education at OU, he took every course the university offered in computers—both of them. In the half-century between a computer that filled a building, to one you wear on your wrist, Jim worked with prestigious firms such as EDS, Otis, and Equitable, advancing from programmer to systems analyst, to IT manager. Ultimately, he became an independent entrepreneur, co-founding with his close friend and partner Bill Simpson, a thriving enterprise which they ran together for many years before Jim's health began to fail.

A gentleman in the noblest sense of the word, Jim possessed that rare combination of a keen mind and a gentle heart that made him the kind of man this world needs most—an enemy of cruelty, an ally of justice, a friend of kindness. It was only the heart in his body that gave out—his true heart still beats strong in his beloved wife—only his tired eyes that closed for the last time—their lovelight still shines undimmed in the beaming faces of his great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia (Roberts) Lewis, married June 15, 1996 in Waco; son Mark Allen Lewis, and wife (Rebecca) of Plano, born in Norman, OK to Jim and Mary Jo (Howell) Lewis; grandson Jacob Lewis and wife (Katherine) of Dallas; great grandchildren Dexter, Zoey, and Fiona Lewis of Dallas; brother William Dean Lewis of Terrell.

Jim was preceded in death by both parents; brother, Thomas ("Lucky") Lewis; brother, Bobby Jack Lewis; and sister, Mary Jane Brooks.

Memorial service will be on Friday, December 11, at 1:00 PM, in the Chapel at First Baptist Church of Garland, 801 W. Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. The family asks that those attending the service honor COVID pandemic protocols by wearing a face mask and social distancing, maximum allowed 40 people.

In lieu of flowers, donations of any type in Jim's memory directed to The Salvation Army would be appreciated. Flowers for the memorial service may be sent to First Baptist Church of Garland. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.cwsfuneralhome.com, Sachse.

A favorite of Jim: Be still, and know that I am God…(Psalm 46:10).