Roll Call Tribute

James Estal "Jim" Lewis 

November 15, 1941 - February 12, 2025 

James “Jim” Estal Lewis was born on November 15, 1941, to Estal and Christine Lewis in Bryan, Texas. Jim was the youngest of two boys. He and his brother Ernest were best friends, and their childhood was filled with joy, fun, and brotherly shenanigans. Jim’s parents provided an early example of Christ-like love in their home that influenced his entire life. Jim had meaningful relationships with his extended family and childhood friends as well. He had a deep love for Texas, due to his family roots and idyllic childhood there. Some of Jim’s fondest memories that he held until his final days included his childhood, teen years and college years in Aggieland.

Music was always a passion in Jim’s life. Jim and his brother Ernest were self-taught musicians who formed a band in their teenage years and performed locally in the late 1950s. This love for music continued throughout Jim’s whole life, bringing him great joy.

In 1963 Jim married his high school sweetheart, Sherry. They had four daughters – Dara, Jenna, Adria, and Amy. Jim loved being the father of four girls. He was loving, nurturing, kind, and wise. Jim was also a silly and fun dad. The Lewis home was often a central hangout for his girls and their friends. Jim never ceased with his jokes and pranks that often embarrassed the girls but delighted their friends. Jim was a living example of what it meant to be a good man and father. His girls always knew that they were loved and had a safe place with him. As a father, Jim sought to reflect God’s grace and goodness as an example to his children. The Lewis home was filled with music, love, laughter, and joy. His girls are forever grateful for their childhood. Jim continued to have close relationships with his grown daughters and their families. He was a confidant, friend, and loving father who will be deeply missed.

Jim received a degree in accounting from Texas A&M University. After working in this field for several years, he was called by God to leave his accounting career and pursue a life of ministry. Jim received a master’s degree in theology at Dallas Theological Seminary and was the senior pastor of Plano Bible Chapel. Many individuals and families were influenced through his lifelong ministry. Jim was passionate about studying the Bible and had a unique way of sharing God’s word with others. He was a true lover of God and of people. As a pastor, Jim had a gift of making others feel important and valued. His passion for music continued as part of his ministry through singing, songwriting, and playing guitar. Jim deeply loved his Lord and Savior and poured his heart, soul, and mind into his ministry. Jim’s life reflected a spirit of service, love, compassion and grace.

Jim is survived by his three living daughters and their spouses, Jenna and Dustin Hillard, Adria and Jon Stolk, and Amy and Scott Haack; 3 grandchildren, Weston Roberts, Peyton Haack and Haley Haack; his brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Sue Lewis; his nieces, nephew, and other extended family. Jim is preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Dara Lewis, and his parents, Estal and Christine Lewis. Those that loved Jim take comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of God and surrounded by family and friends that have gone before him.