James Troy Lewis, age 89 of Alvin, Texas, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at St. Luke's Hospital in the Houston Medical Center. His death came after recovery from a lung transplant on August 28, 2012 following debilitation from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving family. He was a competitor all of his life, but this was a competition he could not win. Troy was born September 17, 1932 in Jackson, Tennessee to Virgil and Pearlie Bell Lewis, the fifth of six children. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lorene, brothers, Ira, Thedus, Robert, Stennis.

He attended public schools in Jackson where he developed a love of the living world and always enjoyed the presence of his many friends. After high school, Troy graduated from Union University in Jackson, TN, with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1955. While at Union he was quarterback for the Bulldogs and also won the West Tennessee Golden Gloves Championship along with his brother "Monk" who he admired. Following his marriage to Elaine Shumaker, they had three children, and he entered the U.S. Army for two years. After his army tour he began his teaching career in Houston at the Sam Houston High School followed by teaching positions at Jones High School and Sam Rayburn High School. He continued his pursuit of education with a Master's degree in Zoology and Botany at Texas Tech University with a stipend from the National Science Foundation with primary interest in botany, entomology, and life's beginning and its continuance through evolution. He marveled at the work of Darwin, Mendel and others from the past and the likes of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens among others of the present era.

Troy continued his biological career in education at San Jacinto College and Alvin Community College where he became Biology Dept. Chairman, Assistant to the President and Dean of Administrative Services. Retiring as Dean Emeritus in 1998. While at ACC he served as Executive Director of the College Foundation and President of the Nolan Ryan Celebrity Golf Tournament which he coordinated as a fund raiser for the College's athletic programs. The tournament was enjoyed by a maximum number of players each year with all praising Troy for his work. Prior to his retirement he was instrumental in the development of the Nolan Ryan Center and Exhibit Center on the College campus.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Diamond Lewis of 30 years, his three children, Lynn Ann Powers, James Troy "Buster" Lewis and his wife Chris, Teresa Wright and her husband Steve Wolff, four grandchildren to include Cheyanne Powers Leibe and her husband Brandt, Daniel Wright and his wife Hannah, Natalie Wright and her fiancé, Sophie Holtzmann, and Olivia Wright, 2 great-grandchildren, Benton and Ford Leibe, Pam's son, Travis Plaster and his wife Stephanie and their children, Wyatt Plaster and Madison Morgan Rowlings.

At Troy's request there is to be a memorial service to be held at Scott Funeral Home in Alvin on Friday, February 4th with visitation at 10 a.m followed by a brief service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, memorial donations may be sent to St. Lukes Foundation, in memory of James Troy Lewis, St. Lukes Hospital Transplant Fund, P.O. Box 20269 MC3-206, Houston, TX. 77225

A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 4, 2022 at Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, Texas with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 A.M.

Arrangements under the direction of the Scott Family, 1421 East Hwy 6, Alvin, Texas 77511, (281) 585-1000 www.scottfuneralhome.net