James Russell (JR) Lewis, age 78, of Iola, Kansas, passed away January 16, 2023, at Moran Manor, Moran, Kansas. JR was born December 6, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Howard Lewis and Pearl (Lohman) Lewis.
JR graduated in 1962 from North Kansas City High School and then he earned a bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State, Maryville, Missouri.
JR and Beverly Hatch were married June 4, 1966, in Kansas City North, Missouri.
JR taught school in the North Kansas City School District. He and Beverly moved to Iola in 1973, where he and Beverly operated Arkhaven Nursing Homes and they also owned North Branch Cattle Ranch. They enjoyed racing thoroughbred horses, racing all over the United States.
JR was preceded in death by his parents; and an infant grandson, James Austin Lewis.
JR is survived by his wife, Beverly, of the home; son, Mitchell Lewis, Iola, Kansas; daughter, Gretchen (Mark) Keller, Piqua, Kansas; and grandchildren, Jillian Keller, Carson Keller, Macey Lewis.
A visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway, Iola, Kansas. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023, in the chapel at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Interment will follow in Gas Cemetery, Gas, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to Southwind Extension District 4-H, and may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service.
Condolences for the family may be left at
www.feuerbornfuneral.com
.