Obituary - James Gum Hain Lew

It is with great sorrow to announce the passing of James Lew, 67, of Henrico County, who was beloved by every person he talked to. He departed on December 26, 2024.

James was adored by many, especially his fish who were always happy to see the man that made sure their tank was clean when no one else would. If you were a plant, you would want to be gardened by him. Not only was his garden extensive and beautiful, but it was filled with compassion and patience. He was the kind of man you always knew was coming down the hall because he made sure to smile and say “hello” to everyone, especially during his career with Henrico County Public Schools.

James was a phenomenal father to his son, uncle to his countless nieces and nephews, and dog-dad to his beagle Lucky and golden retriever Ringo. Every holiday, his house was full of Christmas spirit, rare knick-knacks, and kids playing video games or watching movies with him. He was a generous man, and an even better Santa Claus.

If James ever disappeared, you knew to find him in the stands of a baseball game where he was an expert at catching outfield balls. His collection of baseballs was bigger than imagined, starting when he was just a kid. You could also find him at Olive Garden. Or at Cracker Barrel. Or at O’Toole’s (the one in Midlothian because he thought it was cleaner). What can you say? The man was a social foodie with his friend, Ms. Rowena Jones (also his biggest sports rival), and his sister Judy. Plus, those places had good meatloaf and spaghetti and meatballs.

James is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Qing Lew, and beloved son, Adam Lew. He is predeceased by his parents, Gee Oy Lew and Sue Jan Lew.

James is also survived by his siblings: Linda (Edgar) Lew-Roca, Judy Lew, David (Laura) Lew, William (Ying) Lew; his parents-in-law: Junru Liu and Xiao Li; his siblings-in-law: Wayne (Mandy) Liu and Flora (Jimmy) Eng; and his nieces and nephews: Daniel and Jeffery Lew, Leandro and Victoria Roca, Jennifer and Danny Lew, Mikayla Lew, Isabella and Jayden Liu, and Natalie and Justin Eng.

The memorial viewing will be held at Woody’s Funeral Home on 1771 North Parham Road, at 10am-12pm, Friday January 3, 2025. His interment service will be at Riverview Cemetery on 1401 South Randolph Street, at 1pm, following the viewing.

His family would like to extend a big thank you to all the people who provided supportive and medical services.

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings”- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)