CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston has lost one of its biggest advocates for the poor and downtrodden. Jim Lewis died Sunday at the age of 90 surrounded by family.
Lewis served as the Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church from 1974 to 1982. After leaving the position he became a tireless advocate for social justice.
“Jim Lewis was not just a spiritual leader in his church, but a moral leader for the entire community. He’s one of those rare individuals who was led by a moral compass and that’s what motivated him,” said Kanawha County Delegate Mike Pushkin.
In 1976, Lewis was at the church and a man came in to say he was hungry. Lewis remembered looking in the church kitchen and finding a jar of peanut butter and some bread. He made the man a sandwich and engaged in a conversation. That encounter led to the creation of Manna Meal, which has been one of the most important sources of food for the hungry in Charleston for 50 years.
“He did start Manna Meal and that has helped countless people throughout Charleston and beyond for decades,” said Pushkin.
Today Manna Meal is served out of a food truck which travels to various spots in Charleston to provide meals to those who are hungry
“Jim Lewis was an incredible priest, pastor, and a social justice advocate and always looking out for people on the margins. He wanted to see how he could serve them, listen to them, and advocate not just for them, but with them,” he said.
Lewis tended to get into what Congressman John Lewis referred to as “good trouble.” He had a long arrest record for peaceful protests. He routinely opposed the United State’s involvement in war and often marched and protested for peace. He was also an advocate for racial justice and the LGBTQ community.
“He made it a point to not only be with people whom he agreed with, but he loved spending time with people who disagreed with him theologically or politically. He was curious about that and wanted to talk to them about those differences. He was always looking for conversation and dialogue,” said Miller.
“He was a force. He did so much for the city. His heart was always in the right place,” said Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango. “He always wanted to make a difference and he did.”