James J. Lewellis

James J. Lewellis, 45, of Pittsburgh, died at Community East Hospital, Indianapolis, on June 7. His death was unexpected.

A good, kind, generous and highly intelligent person, he was the son of Monica Rajnic Lewellis and the Rev. Canon Bill Lewellis of Whitehall. He was the husband of Shuning Huang Lewellis. He was the elder brother of Matthew, MA/OT of Philadelphia and Stephen, MD/PhD (Julia Meyer, PhD) of Wausau WI. He was the uncle of Stellan and Maia.

By his advanced directive, a transplant team harvested his organs so others might live.

Jim was an Episcopal Christian and a devotée of Buddhist Spirituality.

When Jim died, Jesus was with him the way he was with his disciples on the night before he died. He carried a basin, some water and a towel. He looked deeply into Jim’s eyes. “You’ve had a long journey, haven’t you?” Jesus said. “Enough for many lifetimes. You must be tired. Let me wash your feet. The banquet is ready.” Jesus took bread and wine. He blessed them and Jim. “Welcome to the banquet. You are precious in my eyes. I love you.”

For the past five years, Jim worked for North American Dental Group (Pittsburgh), recently as VP, Financial Planning and Analysis. Three years as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at NEP Group. For three years, Senior Financial Analyst for Dick’s Sporting Goods (Pittsburgh) and three years at Toys R Us (Wayne NJ). Associate, Equity Research, for Needham and Company (NYC). For one year, as Business Analyst, Equity Research for Goldman Sachs (NYC). He also worked as a bartender in London and New York City.

Jim did graduate work at Columbia University (NYC) and Babson Graduate School of Business (Wellesley MA). At Babson he earned an MBA in entrepreneurship. At Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs he earned an

MIA. He was an undergraduate at Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College where he graduated with distinction with a major in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Interactive Media Design. At Whitehall High School he was president of student government.

Among the many who loved Jim, besides his wife, parents and brothers, are Monica’s siblings and their spouses: James (Jean, recently deceased), Richard (Anne Marie), Stephen (Margaret Ann), Alexine, Joe (Ron Ross), John and Mary (Lindsay Taylor). Also, many Lewullis and Rajnic cousins.

Jim loved and was loved and licked by his dogs, Mao Mao and Biscuit.

Jim was cremated. A private service will be held at his parents’ home.