James (Boody) Lewis,

Altavista has lost one of its finest. Boody crossed the last fire line of life on February 5, 2011. He was a member of the Altavista Fire Company since September of 1958. Ruth Adams Lewis was Boody?s soulmate. They shared the love of a lifetime in a short 62 years together. Life is not measured by the breath you take, but by the moments that take your breath away. Boody and Ruth were blessed with three children, Sharon Lynne Lewis who is now with her Dad again and they are spending some time together in heaven, Terrell Edward Lewis and his wife Laura who currently reside in Midlothian, Virginia, and Glenda Carol Pratt and her husband Mike who live in Midland, Virginia. Then, there are Papa?s Girls, who were so blessed to have a Papa that loved them with all his heart. Amanda Pratt White and her husband, Cameron of Norwalk, CT, Tara Michelle Pratt of Falls Church, VA, and Sarah Lynn Cole of Midlothian, VA. These girls will always treasure their memories of time spent with Papa and all of the things that Papa made for them, dollhouses, jewelry, etc. They were blessed by his patience, gentle way and loving words. Boody is now reunited with his mother Cora Florence Shelton Williams and his father, Jimmie Edward Lewis. I am sure they are enjoying a family reunion on high. Boody also has a stepmother, Josephine Dawson Lewis of Hurt, VA. Boody?s two sisters are Linda Lewis Dalton and her husband Carlton of Hurt, VA and Judy Lewis Moon of Long Island, VA. I am writing this as his sister and knowing that he loved me so much. He was also so good to me and helped me so much through my life after our father passed away as an example of true and pure love. I hope that in heaven when he asks ?Where?s Judy?? he knows that I will be there one day with him. As assistant editor, I write this addendum as his son-in-law, Mike. Boody was my father far beyond the ?in-law? distinction. For over 30 years I was privileged by his friendship, guidance, and expertise in so many areas that it defies description. Suffice to say that his greatness lives on through love so profound from granddaughters, firemen and a town so enriched by his generosity. All who knew Boody hold their heads a little bit higher from the blessing of his friendship. Boody, quiet, always true. John Tucker as the Chief of the Altavista Fire Company told me one day that the firemen were in awe of Boody. John said that each and every one of them wished they had just a tiny bit of the knowledge that he had. They also had the motto to ?Call Boody? when they had questions or needed advice on a situation. Boody thought of the firemen as part of his family. We want to thank them for all of the loyalty and support shown to Boody and Ruth. We will celebrate Boody?s life 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at the Altavista Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Altavista Memorial Park. The family will welcome visits from friends and family at Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service from 7-8:30 p.m., Monday.

James (Boody) Lewis,

April 21, 1930 - February 5, 2011