James F. "Jim" Lewallen

James Frank "Jim" LewAllen, age 90, of Battle Creek went to be with his Lord & Savior on Tuesday evening, November 7, 2017. He was born July 12, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan to Charles Walter and Erma Onieta (James) LewAllen. At age three he moved from Jackson to Hanover and to Battle Creek at age nine. Jim attended Ann J. Kellogg and Battle Creek Central. He earned his graduation certificate from Battle Creek Central High School in 1977. Jim retired as an electrician from Clark Equipment Company, Lift Truck Division, in 1983 after over 32 years. He wasn't happy in retirement, so he and his son, James C. LewAllen worked as electrical contractors together, until James F. retired in 2016.

James Frank LewAllen was united in marriage to Barbara Janet Drake on June 1, 1946 at the Salvation Army in Battle Creek; she sadly preceded him in death on March 18, 2014 after more than 67 wonderful years. Surviving are his son, James C. "Jim" LewAllen of Battle Creek; three daughters, Carol (Hassell) Clark of East Leroy, Karen (Ron) Spenelli of Battle Creek and Lori (Jack) Rose of Schoolcraft; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; two step-sisters, Beverly Rodriguez and Barbara Barkley both of California. He was also preceded in death by a son, Dale Lee LewAllen; grandson, Johnny Clark; his mother and his stepfather, who raised him, Erma and Carraol W. Barkley; a brother, Ralph D. LewAllen; and a stepbrother, Richard Barkley.

James served as a Chief Steward and Union President at Clarks and the AIW-AFLCIO Local #939. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #298, the PNA No. 2416, and the Eagles Aerie #299. Jim enjoyed playing horseshoes, managing, coaching & playing softball, bowling, and playing sandlot football.

The family will receive friends 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Jim's life will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 13th. Interment will follow at Abscota Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan or the Calhoun County Animal Center. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.