James Lewis, 78, of Sebastian, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, at Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, FL. He was born April 22, 1933 in New York, NY, and moved to Sebastian 32 years ago from Toms River, NJ. James was a USMC Korean War veteran. He worked as a Mechanic for the Vero Beach city government, and was a Civil Defense Director. He was a member of the Moose lodge, and the Boy Scouts of America. He actively volunteered with the Indian River Sheriff's Dept., the Tom's River Fire Department, and South Tom's River First Aid and Reserve. Survivors include his wife of 57 years Anna Lewis of Sebastian, son Michael Dashosh of Summer Place, FL, daughters Amy Grasso of Toms River, NJ and Christine Lewis of Roseland, FL, 2 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and a sister Johanna George of Lake Wales, FL. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 30, 2011 from 4 to 6 pm at Seawinds Funeral Home in Sebastian. Prayer service is at 6:00 pm. Interment will be in Sebastian Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach, PO Box 644 Vero Beach, FL 32961.

Arrangements are being handled by Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian, FL. Online condolences can be left at www.seawindsfh.com/obit .