Jim was the 3rd of 8 children born to:
E. F. (Edward Floyd) Lewis, b. May 26, 1880 in Urbana, Champaign co., IL. and d. Nov. 19, 1960 in Long Beach, L.A. co., CA. &
Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis Harwood, b. Sep. 21, 1885 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 24, 1965 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
E.F. and Ethel Lewis' children were:
1. Floyd Addison Lewis, b. Aug. 9, 1907 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Apr. 23, 1984 in L.A., L.A., CA.
2. Thomas Edwin Lewis, b. Feb. 22, 1909 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 2, 1979 in San Francisco, San Francisco co., CA.
3. James Earl Lewis, b. Apr. 19, 1912 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 6, 1996 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
4. Stanley Jackson Lewis, b. Oct. 17, 1914 in Los Angeles co., CA. and d. Jul. 7, 1978 in San Diego co., CA.
5. Dorothy Lewis (twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L. A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 11, 1990 in Pasadena, L.A., CA.
6. Marjorie Lewis(twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Feb. 22, 2007 in Polk County, NC.
7. Ethel Lewis, b. Oct. 24, 1918 in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 2:15 a.m. and died the same day at 8:10 a.m. at Angelus hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
8. Ruth Cora Lewis, b. Oct. 19, 1921 in L.A., CA. and d. in Cardiff by the Sea, San Diego, CA.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 7 yr. old James E. Lewis, b. in CA. was living in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, CA. with his
39 yr. old father, E. Floyd Lewis, a business manager for a pumps company, b. in IL.,
34 yr. old mother, Ethel F. Lewis, b. in CA.
12 yr. old brother, Floyd G. Lewis, b. in CA.
10 yr. old brother, Thomas E. Lewis, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Stanley J. Lewis, b. in CA.
4 yr. 11 mth. old twin sisters, Margerie Lewis and Dorothy Lewis, b. in CA.
Ethel's parents were b. in the U.S.
E. Floyd's father was b. in IN. and his mother in IL.
*Note: There were two other sisters: Ethel, who was stillborn, and Ruth, who was born in 1921.
Jim married Ruth Kathryn Brown at her family home, 105 South Chapel Av., Alhambra, Ca.) on January 01, 1936.
Jim and Ruth Lewis had two children, neither of whom married and both preceded their parents in death.
1. Nancy Ruth Lewis, b. Jan. 09, 1937 and d. July 28, 1992 of metastatic breast carcinoma) and
2. James ('Jimmy') Charles Lewis, b. May 25, 1939 and d. Feb. 24,, 1966).
In the 1940 U.S. census, 27 yr. old James Lewis, a clerk at a retail grocery store, b. in CA., was living at 105 S. Chapel St. in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
77 yr. old father-in-law (head of household), Thomas Brown, b. in MA.
63 yr. old mother-in-law, Lydia Brown, b. in MN.
22 yr. old wife, Ruth Lewis, b. in CA.
3 yr. old daughter, Nancy Lewis, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, James Lewis, b. in CA.
James was living in Rosemead, Los Angeles, CA. in 1935.
Newspaper clipping excerpt:
BIRDS LISTED
Word that the government might soon be in the market to purchase qualified birds was received with mingled joy and regret by owners here, to many of whom the carriers are valued pets.
One of the first Alhambra owners to have his birds listed was James E. Lewis of 105 S. Chapel Ave., owner of more than 65 carriers, and himself eligible for the draft. One of Lewis' birds, a 'camouflaged' flyer, has flown many miles for his master, being released from such distant spots as Denver.
This bird, called a Grizzle, had its qualifications listed by First Sergeant M.L. Nielsen of Company B, 115th Regiment, National Guard. The unit has headquarters at the Story Park Clubhouse on N. Chapel St.
From the 1944 Alhambra Community Book, P. 212:
One of the most popular and successful of Alhambra's business men is James Earl Lewis, proprietor of the Lewis seed store. Mr. Lewis is a native son of Los Angeles, born April 17th, 1912, son of Edward Floyd Lewis and Mrs. Ethel Godfrey Harwood; his mother is divorced from his father and is now remarried. It is interesting to note that she is also a native of Los Angeles, having been born on Bunker Hill in that city. In connection with the family history, Tom E. Lewis, nationally known painter of San Francisco, has brought fame and distinction to the Lewis name.
James E. Lewis attended Washington School in San Gabriel, having gone through all eight grades there, and then he spent three years at Alhambra High School. He early entered the grocery business. For six years, he was with the Safeway organization, and for a little longer was with the Market Basket Co. (where he met his future wife, Ruth), having been manager at a very early age of the Market Basket new and large store in San Gabriel.
Early in 1943, Mr. Lewis purchased the Main Street Seed Store, a business which has been in operation for over twenty years. During the short period Mr. Lewis has been its owner, the business has been considerably enlarged and new departments have been added. Commodities handled include garden seed, poultry feed, insecticides, fertilizer, garden tools, as well as birds.
Mr. Lewis married Ruth Katherine Brown, who is the daughter of the late Charles T. Brown, who was a prominent citizen of Alhambra during the last eight years of his life, and was formerly a prosperous citrus grower of Alta Loma. He was a noted collector of Indian relics, stones and other valuable and rare specimens. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are Nancy Ruth and James Charles Lewis.
Mr. Lewis has interesting other talents in addition to his business ability. During high school days, he played the flute and piccolo and he formerly had his own ensemble, which was known as the 'Lewis Concert Ensemble'. He is also a skillful conjurer and magician, and has put on intriguing shows before various groups in Alhambra and elsewhere.
Obituary Notice:
LEWIS - James Earl Lewis, age 84 of Alhambra, passed away on August 6, 1996. He was born, raised, attended schools and lived his entire life in the San Gabriel / Alhambra area. In his earlier years, he managed several grocery stores and subsequently owned and operated a chain of pet stores. More recently, up until retirement, he was active in real estate with Morgan Realty. He is survived by his wife, Ruth K. Lewis; and two sisters, Marjorie Austin and Ruth Perdew. Services are private. Turner and Stevens Alhambra Mortuary, serving the family.
E. F. (Edward Floyd) Lewis, b. May 26, 1880 in Urbana, Champaign co., IL. and d. Nov. 19, 1960 in Long Beach, L.A. co., CA. &
Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis Harwood, b. Sep. 21, 1885 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 24, 1965 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
E.F. and Ethel Lewis' children were:
1. Floyd Addison Lewis, b. Aug. 9, 1907 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Apr. 23, 1984 in L.A., L.A., CA.
2. Thomas Edwin Lewis, b. Feb. 22, 1909 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 2, 1979 in San Francisco, San Francisco co., CA.
3. James Earl Lewis, b. Apr. 19, 1912 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 6, 1996 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
4. Stanley Jackson Lewis, b. Oct. 17, 1914 in Los Angeles co., CA. and d. Jul. 7, 1978 in San Diego co., CA.
5. Dorothy Lewis (twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L. A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 11, 1990 in Pasadena, L.A., CA.
6. Marjorie Lewis(twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Feb. 22, 2007 in Polk County, NC.
7. Ethel Lewis, b. Oct. 24, 1918 in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 2:15 a.m. and died the same day at 8:10 a.m. at Angelus hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
8. Ruth Cora Lewis, b. Oct. 19, 1921 in L.A., CA. and d. in Cardiff by the Sea, San Diego, CA.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 7 yr. old James E. Lewis, b. in CA. was living in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, CA. with his
39 yr. old father, E. Floyd Lewis, a business manager for a pumps company, b. in IL.,
34 yr. old mother, Ethel F. Lewis, b. in CA.
12 yr. old brother, Floyd G. Lewis, b. in CA.
10 yr. old brother, Thomas E. Lewis, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Stanley J. Lewis, b. in CA.
4 yr. 11 mth. old twin sisters, Margerie Lewis and Dorothy Lewis, b. in CA.
Ethel's parents were b. in the U.S.
E. Floyd's father was b. in IN. and his mother in IL.
*Note: There were two other sisters: Ethel, who was stillborn, and Ruth, who was born in 1921.
Jim married Ruth Kathryn Brown at her family home, 105 South Chapel Av., Alhambra, Ca.) on January 01, 1936.
Jim and Ruth Lewis had two children, neither of whom married and both preceded their parents in death.
1. Nancy Ruth Lewis, b. Jan. 09, 1937 and d. July 28, 1992 of metastatic breast carcinoma) and
2. James ('Jimmy') Charles Lewis, b. May 25, 1939 and d. Feb. 24,, 1966).
In the 1940 U.S. census, 27 yr. old James Lewis, a clerk at a retail grocery store, b. in CA., was living at 105 S. Chapel St. in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
77 yr. old father-in-law (head of household), Thomas Brown, b. in MA.
63 yr. old mother-in-law, Lydia Brown, b. in MN.
22 yr. old wife, Ruth Lewis, b. in CA.
3 yr. old daughter, Nancy Lewis, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, James Lewis, b. in CA.
James was living in Rosemead, Los Angeles, CA. in 1935.
Newspaper clipping excerpt:
BIRDS LISTED
Word that the government might soon be in the market to purchase qualified birds was received with mingled joy and regret by owners here, to many of whom the carriers are valued pets.
One of the first Alhambra owners to have his birds listed was James E. Lewis of 105 S. Chapel Ave., owner of more than 65 carriers, and himself eligible for the draft. One of Lewis' birds, a 'camouflaged' flyer, has flown many miles for his master, being released from such distant spots as Denver.
This bird, called a Grizzle, had its qualifications listed by First Sergeant M.L. Nielsen of Company B, 115th Regiment, National Guard. The unit has headquarters at the Story Park Clubhouse on N. Chapel St.
From the 1944 Alhambra Community Book, P. 212:
One of the most popular and successful of Alhambra's business men is James Earl Lewis, proprietor of the Lewis seed store. Mr. Lewis is a native son of Los Angeles, born April 17th, 1912, son of Edward Floyd Lewis and Mrs. Ethel Godfrey Harwood; his mother is divorced from his father and is now remarried. It is interesting to note that she is also a native of Los Angeles, having been born on Bunker Hill in that city. In connection with the family history, Tom E. Lewis, nationally known painter of San Francisco, has brought fame and distinction to the Lewis name.
James E. Lewis attended Washington School in San Gabriel, having gone through all eight grades there, and then he spent three years at Alhambra High School. He early entered the grocery business. For six years, he was with the Safeway organization, and for a little longer was with the Market Basket Co. (where he met his future wife, Ruth), having been manager at a very early age of the Market Basket new and large store in San Gabriel.
Early in 1943, Mr. Lewis purchased the Main Street Seed Store, a business which has been in operation for over twenty years. During the short period Mr. Lewis has been its owner, the business has been considerably enlarged and new departments have been added. Commodities handled include garden seed, poultry feed, insecticides, fertilizer, garden tools, as well as birds.
Mr. Lewis married Ruth Katherine Brown, who is the daughter of the late Charles T. Brown, who was a prominent citizen of Alhambra during the last eight years of his life, and was formerly a prosperous citrus grower of Alta Loma. He was a noted collector of Indian relics, stones and other valuable and rare specimens. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are Nancy Ruth and James Charles Lewis.
Mr. Lewis has interesting other talents in addition to his business ability. During high school days, he played the flute and piccolo and he formerly had his own ensemble, which was known as the 'Lewis Concert Ensemble'. He is also a skillful conjurer and magician, and has put on intriguing shows before various groups in Alhambra and elsewhere.
Obituary Notice:
LEWIS - James Earl Lewis, age 84 of Alhambra, passed away on August 6, 1996. He was born, raised, attended schools and lived his entire life in the San Gabriel / Alhambra area. In his earlier years, he managed several grocery stores and subsequently owned and operated a chain of pet stores. More recently, up until retirement, he was active in real estate with Morgan Realty. He is survived by his wife, Ruth K. Lewis; and two sisters, Marjorie Austin and Ruth Perdew. Services are private. Turner and Stevens Alhambra Mortuary, serving the family.
Jim was the 3rd of 8 children born to:
E. F. (Edward Floyd) Lewis, b. May 26, 1880 in Urbana, Champaign co., IL. and d. Nov. 19, 1960 in Long Beach, L.A. co., CA. &
Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis Harwood, b. Sep. 21, 1885 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 24, 1965 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
E.F. and Ethel Lewis' children were:
1. Floyd Addison Lewis, b. Aug. 9, 1907 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Apr. 23, 1984 in L.A., L.A., CA.
2. Thomas Edwin Lewis, b. Feb. 22, 1909 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 2, 1979 in San Francisco, San Francisco co., CA.
3. James Earl Lewis, b. Apr. 19, 1912 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 6, 1996 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
4. Stanley Jackson Lewis, b. Oct. 17, 1914 in Los Angeles co., CA. and d. Jul. 7, 1978 in San Diego co., CA.
5. Dorothy Lewis (twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L. A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 11, 1990 in Pasadena, L.A., CA.
6. Marjorie Lewis(twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Feb. 22, 2007 in Polk County, NC.
7. Ethel Lewis, b. Oct. 24, 1918 in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 2:15 a.m. and died the same day at 8:10 a.m. at Angelus hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
8. Ruth Cora Lewis, b. Oct. 19, 1921 in L.A., CA. and d. in Cardiff by the Sea, San Diego, CA.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 7 yr. old James E. Lewis, b. in CA. was living in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, CA. with his
39 yr. old father, E. Floyd Lewis, a business manager for a pumps company, b. in IL.,
34 yr. old mother, Ethel F. Lewis, b. in CA.
12 yr. old brother, Floyd G. Lewis, b. in CA.
10 yr. old brother, Thomas E. Lewis, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Stanley J. Lewis, b. in CA.
4 yr. 11 mth. old twin sisters, Margerie Lewis and Dorothy Lewis, b. in CA.
Ethel's parents were b. in the U.S.
E. Floyd's father was b. in IN. and his mother in IL.
*Note: There were two other sisters: Ethel, who was stillborn, and Ruth, who was born in 1921.
Jim married Ruth Kathryn Brown at her family home, 105 South Chapel Av., Alhambra, Ca.) on January 01, 1936.
Jim and Ruth Lewis had two children, neither of whom married and both preceded their parents in death.
1. Nancy Ruth Lewis, b. Jan. 09, 1937 and d. July 28, 1992 of metastatic breast carcinoma) and
2. James ('Jimmy') Charles Lewis, b. May 25, 1939 and d. Feb. 24,, 1966).
In the 1940 U.S. census, 27 yr. old James Lewis, a clerk at a retail grocery store, b. in CA., was living at 105 S. Chapel St. in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
77 yr. old father-in-law (head of household), Thomas Brown, b. in MA.
63 yr. old mother-in-law, Lydia Brown, b. in MN.
22 yr. old wife, Ruth Lewis, b. in CA.
3 yr. old daughter, Nancy Lewis, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, James Lewis, b. in CA.
James was living in Rosemead, Los Angeles, CA. in 1935.
Newspaper clipping excerpt:
BIRDS LISTED
Word that the government might soon be in the market to purchase qualified birds was received with mingled joy and regret by owners here, to many of whom the carriers are valued pets.
One of the first Alhambra owners to have his birds listed was James E. Lewis of 105 S. Chapel Ave., owner of more than 65 carriers, and himself eligible for the draft. One of Lewis' birds, a 'camouflaged' flyer, has flown many miles for his master, being released from such distant spots as Denver.
This bird, called a Grizzle, had its qualifications listed by First Sergeant M.L. Nielsen of Company B, 115th Regiment, National Guard. The unit has headquarters at the Story Park Clubhouse on N. Chapel St.
From the 1944 Alhambra Community Book, P. 212:
One of the most popular and successful of Alhambra's business men is James Earl Lewis, proprietor of the Lewis seed store. Mr. Lewis is a native son of Los Angeles, born April 17th, 1912, son of Edward Floyd Lewis and Mrs. Ethel Godfrey Harwood; his mother is divorced from his father and is now remarried. It is interesting to note that she is also a native of Los Angeles, having been born on Bunker Hill in that city. In connection with the family history, Tom E. Lewis, nationally known painter of San Francisco, has brought fame and distinction to the Lewis name.
James E. Lewis attended Washington School in San Gabriel, having gone through all eight grades there, and then he spent three years at Alhambra High School. He early entered the grocery business. For six years, he was with the Safeway organization, and for a little longer was with the Market Basket Co. (where he met his future wife, Ruth), having been manager at a very early age of the Market Basket new and large store in San Gabriel.
Early in 1943, Mr. Lewis purchased the Main Street Seed Store, a business which has been in operation for over twenty years. During the short period Mr. Lewis has been its owner, the business has been considerably enlarged and new departments have been added. Commodities handled include garden seed, poultry feed, insecticides, fertilizer, garden tools, as well as birds.
Mr. Lewis married Ruth Katherine Brown, who is the daughter of the late Charles T. Brown, who was a prominent citizen of Alhambra during the last eight years of his life, and was formerly a prosperous citrus grower of Alta Loma. He was a noted collector of Indian relics, stones and other valuable and rare specimens. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are Nancy Ruth and James Charles Lewis.
Mr. Lewis has interesting other talents in addition to his business ability. During high school days, he played the flute and piccolo and he formerly had his own ensemble, which was known as the 'Lewis Concert Ensemble'. He is also a skillful conjurer and magician, and has put on intriguing shows before various groups in Alhambra and elsewhere.
Obituary Notice:
LEWIS - James Earl Lewis, age 84 of Alhambra, passed away on August 6, 1996. He was born, raised, attended schools and lived his entire life in the San Gabriel / Alhambra area. In his earlier years, he managed several grocery stores and subsequently owned and operated a chain of pet stores. More recently, up until retirement, he was active in real estate with Morgan Realty. He is survived by his wife, Ruth K. Lewis; and two sisters, Marjorie Austin and Ruth Perdew. Services are private. Turner and Stevens Alhambra Mortuary, serving the family.
E. F. (Edward Floyd) Lewis, b. May 26, 1880 in Urbana, Champaign co., IL. and d. Nov. 19, 1960 in Long Beach, L.A. co., CA. &
Ethel (Godfrey) Lewis Harwood, b. Sep. 21, 1885 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 24, 1965 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
E.F. and Ethel Lewis' children were:
1. Floyd Addison Lewis, b. Aug. 9, 1907 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Apr. 23, 1984 in L.A., L.A., CA.
2. Thomas Edwin Lewis, b. Feb. 22, 1909 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 2, 1979 in San Francisco, San Francisco co., CA.
3. James Earl Lewis, b. Apr. 19, 1912 in L.A. co., CA. and d. Aug. 6, 1996 in San Gabriel, L.A., CA.
4. Stanley Jackson Lewis, b. Oct. 17, 1914 in Los Angeles co., CA. and d. Jul. 7, 1978 in San Diego co., CA.
5. Dorothy Lewis (twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L. A., L.A., CA. and d. Dec. 11, 1990 in Pasadena, L.A., CA.
6. Marjorie Lewis(twin), b. Jan. 19, 1916 in L.A., L.A., CA. and d. Feb. 22, 2007 in Polk County, NC.
7. Ethel Lewis, b. Oct. 24, 1918 in Los Angeles, L.A., CA. at 2:15 a.m. and died the same day at 8:10 a.m. at Angelus hospital in Los Angeles, L.A., CA.
8. Ruth Cora Lewis, b. Oct. 19, 1921 in L.A., CA. and d. in Cardiff by the Sea, San Diego, CA.
In the 1920 U.S. census, 7 yr. old James E. Lewis, b. in CA. was living in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, CA. with his
39 yr. old father, E. Floyd Lewis, a business manager for a pumps company, b. in IL.,
34 yr. old mother, Ethel F. Lewis, b. in CA.
12 yr. old brother, Floyd G. Lewis, b. in CA.
10 yr. old brother, Thomas E. Lewis, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Stanley J. Lewis, b. in CA.
4 yr. 11 mth. old twin sisters, Margerie Lewis and Dorothy Lewis, b. in CA.
Ethel's parents were b. in the U.S.
E. Floyd's father was b. in IN. and his mother in IL.
*Note: There were two other sisters: Ethel, who was stillborn, and Ruth, who was born in 1921.
Jim married Ruth Kathryn Brown at her family home, 105 South Chapel Av., Alhambra, Ca.) on January 01, 1936.
Jim and Ruth Lewis had two children, neither of whom married and both preceded their parents in death.
1. Nancy Ruth Lewis, b. Jan. 09, 1937 and d. July 28, 1992 of metastatic breast carcinoma) and
2. James ('Jimmy') Charles Lewis, b. May 25, 1939 and d. Feb. 24,, 1966).
In the 1940 U.S. census, 27 yr. old James Lewis, a clerk at a retail grocery store, b. in CA., was living at 105 S. Chapel St. in San Gabriel, L.A., CA. with his
77 yr. old father-in-law (head of household), Thomas Brown, b. in MA.
63 yr. old mother-in-law, Lydia Brown, b. in MN.
22 yr. old wife, Ruth Lewis, b. in CA.
3 yr. old daughter, Nancy Lewis, b. in CA.
1 yr. old son, James Lewis, b. in CA.
James was living in Rosemead, Los Angeles, CA. in 1935.
Newspaper clipping excerpt:
BIRDS LISTED
Word that the government might soon be in the market to purchase qualified birds was received with mingled joy and regret by owners here, to many of whom the carriers are valued pets.
One of the first Alhambra owners to have his birds listed was James E. Lewis of 105 S. Chapel Ave., owner of more than 65 carriers, and himself eligible for the draft. One of Lewis' birds, a 'camouflaged' flyer, has flown many miles for his master, being released from such distant spots as Denver.
This bird, called a Grizzle, had its qualifications listed by First Sergeant M.L. Nielsen of Company B, 115th Regiment, National Guard. The unit has headquarters at the Story Park Clubhouse on N. Chapel St.
From the 1944 Alhambra Community Book, P. 212:
One of the most popular and successful of Alhambra's business men is James Earl Lewis, proprietor of the Lewis seed store. Mr. Lewis is a native son of Los Angeles, born April 17th, 1912, son of Edward Floyd Lewis and Mrs. Ethel Godfrey Harwood; his mother is divorced from his father and is now remarried. It is interesting to note that she is also a native of Los Angeles, having been born on Bunker Hill in that city. In connection with the family history, Tom E. Lewis, nationally known painter of San Francisco, has brought fame and distinction to the Lewis name.
James E. Lewis attended Washington School in San Gabriel, having gone through all eight grades there, and then he spent three years at Alhambra High School. He early entered the grocery business. For six years, he was with the Safeway organization, and for a little longer was with the Market Basket Co. (where he met his future wife, Ruth), having been manager at a very early age of the Market Basket new and large store in San Gabriel.
Early in 1943, Mr. Lewis purchased the Main Street Seed Store, a business which has been in operation for over twenty years. During the short period Mr. Lewis has been its owner, the business has been considerably enlarged and new departments have been added. Commodities handled include garden seed, poultry feed, insecticides, fertilizer, garden tools, as well as birds.
Mr. Lewis married Ruth Katherine Brown, who is the daughter of the late Charles T. Brown, who was a prominent citizen of Alhambra during the last eight years of his life, and was formerly a prosperous citrus grower of Alta Loma. He was a noted collector of Indian relics, stones and other valuable and rare specimens. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are Nancy Ruth and James Charles Lewis.
Mr. Lewis has interesting other talents in addition to his business ability. During high school days, he played the flute and piccolo and he formerly had his own ensemble, which was known as the 'Lewis Concert Ensemble'. He is also a skillful conjurer and magician, and has put on intriguing shows before various groups in Alhambra and elsewhere.
Obituary Notice:
LEWIS - James Earl Lewis, age 84 of Alhambra, passed away on August 6, 1996. He was born, raised, attended schools and lived his entire life in the San Gabriel / Alhambra area. In his earlier years, he managed several grocery stores and subsequently owned and operated a chain of pet stores. More recently, up until retirement, he was active in real estate with Morgan Realty. He is survived by his wife, Ruth K. Lewis; and two sisters, Marjorie Austin and Ruth Perdew. Services are private. Turner and Stevens Alhambra Mortuary, serving the family.
Family Members
Siblings
