James Paul Lewis was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 10, 1954, to the late Bernice Lewis. James graduated from John Hay High School and was a member of the National Junior Honors Society and National Honors Society. After High School, James went to Cleveland State University, where he pursued his love of music and math and eventually earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. In 1992, he joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Zeta Omega Chapter. After college, James worked several engineering jobs including the company he started, Alpha Omega Construction.
In 1999, James obtained his Professional Engineering license and would eventually serve as the Director of Engineering for the city of Aurora, Ohio, a feat that he was immensely proud of.
Throughout his life, James never forgot his passion for music. After retiring as an engineer for the state of West Virginia, James followed his lifelong dream of playing, making, and refurbishing bass guitars.
James passed away in Cleveland, Ohio on September 26, 2022, at the age of 67, after a long battle with stroke and, later on, pancreatic cancer. He passed peacefully with his daughter by his side.
James was a dedicated father, and is survived by his daughter, Dr. Chaunte Lewis, his aunt Ola Roanoke and his many Omega Psi Phi fraternity brothers. He is preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Lewis, and his sister, Dorothy Lewis. James Lewis will be laid to rest in Montgomery, Alabama along with his mother and his sister.