James Kent Lewis

As his wife and children, we marvel and mourn the amazing man God chose to be ours, James K. Lewis. It is now in his passing that we stand with great conviction knowing to love and be loved by such an amazing man was an honor and blessing beyond measure. James Kent Lewis was born October 23, 1957, in Wynnewood, Oklahoma to the late Edward Hayes Lewis and Ruby Penrod Lewis. He passed from this life on November 23, 2025, at the age of 68. James graduated from Wynnewood High School in 1976.

Shortly after graduation, James would meet the love of his life, Rhonda. After a six-month courtship, James said yes to Rhonda's proposal and the two were married. Armed with a high school diploma, God's grace and his new bride, the two set out to make a lasting mark on the world, proving the American dream to be far more than just a dream, but a stark reality if you arm yourself with enough grit, determination and a Godly woman by your side.

The couple made the move to Flagstaff, Arizona where James would discover the second love of his life, drilling oil wells. James worked around the clock learning the business that would in turn become a lifelong passion and career. After returning from Arizona, James worked numerous jobs in the oil fields of southern Oklahoma. James founded Lewis Oil and Gas and several additional vertically integrated businesses. OK Pump and Supply would not only serve his personal business needs but those of the community. American Petroleum would serve as a means to transport his own crude, also offering services to neighboring operators. Calvary Well Servicing joined the ranks with work over rigs. The once roughneck of the 1970's now owned his own well servicing company. Again, not only servicing his own business needs, but those of the neighborhood oilfield community.

James proudly referred to the pump shop as the "Ratliff City Country Club" a place where people gathered daily for food, fellowship, stories, and all things oil field. Men from all over the surrounding counties could be found there sharing coffee, conversation and an occasional card game or two. If Rhonda needed the latest town update, she just called the pump shop.

James often said that one of the greatest blessings in both his business and life was his devoted wife, Rhonda. She kept their household running like a well-oiled machine, raising four children in the ways of the Lord while helping build the foundation of their first business venture, J & R Trucking, where she served as secretary and bookkeeper. During the hot summer months, Rhonda found the perfect way to entertain four energetic children- cover them in sunscreen, send them to the pool, and keep them fueled with popsicles and peanut butter sandwiches. Yet even amidst the swimming and laughter, her work was never far away. To keep the business running smoothly, a large speaker and bell were installed outside the home. Whenever the business phone rang through the speaker, Rhonda, often covered in baby oil and surrounded by children, would race inside to answer the call and radio work assignments to James. Moments later, she would return poolside, arms full of requested items: fresh goggles, ice cream sandwiches, and of course the correct popsicle color for whichever child had inevitably received the wrong one. Their partnership, commitment, and love for one another were unmatched. They were truly perfect together in every way.

In all facets of life, James led with a gentle spirit and nothing short of a servant's heart. Not only did he believe in the powerful words, "love your neighbor" he lived them as though it was his own personal creed. While he was good at business, he inevitably viewed it as nothing more than a hobby. James found his true success in mentoring, guiding and serving others.

The children remember their Dad coaching Little League football and leading their teams to undefeated seasons. They also recall the phone calls that always began with, "Hey Holmes," and the business discussions and laughs that followed. They reminisce seeing him drive up to the hayfield with a cold grape Shasta and a candy bar. When leaving to go home, dad loading down the car with mayhog jelly, frozen peas and an endless supply of fresh pecans, while giving his familiar warning; "You better be careful now and pay attention-I mean it." But the truth was, they knew they didn't have to worry too much because Dad was always paying attention for everyone. Looking after those he loved was simply who he was. While his sons worked alongside him learning the oil business, farming, and a love for the land, his daughter quietly observed the same determination and work ethic that defined him. In the end, all four of his children inherited his grit, perseverance, and values he worked so hard to instill.

James shared a special bond with his brother, Donny. Together they enjoyed gardening, selling vegetables, picking pecans and sharing weekly lunches at their favorite Mexican restaurant. James would come to find a cherished friend, mentor and business partner in Bonney Martin. On any given day, the two could be found making the rounds, checking wells, planning the next deal or indulging in a favorite pastime "witching", a method used by old timers to prospect for oil. The boys would always tag along, not realizing they were learning the business whether it be oil and gas or cattle and farming. If Bonney and James were baling hay at night, one of the boys remembers having to unplug their balers. Bonney shared his love for the red dirt of Oklahoma and the cattle that grazed it with James. The two collected many acreages spanning Carter, Garvin and Murray counties. Upon his passing, we found comfort in knowing that two of southern Oklahoma's finest men were reunited. Undoubtedly cruising the streets of gold, talking oil and cattle.

James also was known for his generous spirit. Every Christmas, he loaded his truck with hams to share with friends, neighbors, family and even strangers who might be in need. In addition, James had a tender heart for animals. Around his home he faithfully fed deer, squirrels, birds, ducks and his beloved rescue dogs.

Despite his professional accomplishments, James considered his family to be his greatest achievement. He is survived by his cherished wife, Rhonda, with whom he celebrated 49 years of marriage on September 8, 2025: his beloved children. Stephanie Lewis Jackson and husband James, Stacy Lewis, and twins Kyle Lewis and wife Chelsea, and Kevin Lewis and wife Ashley, and his seven grandchildren: Karsyn, Byram, Tripp, Hadley, Baylor, Case and Tinsley all of whom knew him as "Pee Pop". The grandchildren always knew Pee Pop kept candy, Shasta, cantaloupes and their favorite, watermelon, when they came for a visit.

James is also survived by his siblings, Donny Lewis and wife Ronda, Ruby Lewis, Tanna Kinard and husband C.E., and Rhonda Ann Lewis; his in-laws, Jimmy and Peggy Burton; sister-in-law Dana Smith; brother-in-law Ronnie Burton; and many extended family members and dear friends.

James cared for Peggy and Jimmy as he did his own parents, showing them love and kindness throughout the years.

James was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Joe Lewis; his parents Edward and Ruby Lewis; his grandparents, James and Ruby Penrod, Daniel and Emma Lewis and Rhonda's granny Ethel Byram. James often spoke of the special times he spent with his Granny Lewis and Granny Penrod. He had a special relationship with Rhonda's Granny Byram. Rhonda believes the prayers of their grandmothers helped lead and guide James in the decisions he made and the man he became.

While the man is gone, his spirit is not. His blood still fiercely flows through the veins of his four children, his love still breathes through his beloved wife and his legacy will long live on through generations to come because of the many lives he changed. We find much peace in the words of Matthew 25:21. We know these were among the first words he heard upon approaching the gates of heaven. "Well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord".

Until we meet again, over.

Services were "Entrusted To" HALE'S Funeral Home of Davis, OK.

On-line condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.