Dressage World Loses a Great Man - Jim Lewis

Jim Lewis - Photo - Alex Zilo USPRE Association

Funeral information and tributes added. To add a tribute email mary@horsesdaily.com
The Dressage world was rocked today by word that Jim Lewis, the husband of FEI 5* Judge Linda Zang passed away yesterday of a massive heart attack. In spite of all efforts to save him, he died in surgery.  Always with a kind and smiling face at Dressage shows where he often accompanied his wife Linda and their two corgis Clarke and Vivian, Jim a thoroughbred breeder and owner was a horseman who knew both worlds well. It was always a nicer time at a show or an event when Jim was there. His kind and gentle demeanor and respect for the dressage world and his wife’s work were always a highlight for at the shows we attended. Our hearts, prayers and hugs go out to Linda and Jim’s family in their time of loss and sorrow.Official obituary, funeral information and tributes added to this page.

Send personal condolanes to
Linda Zang
P.O. Box 187
3289 Davidsonville Road
Idlewilde Farm
Davidsonville, MD 21035

Stephen Clarke
Jim was the kindest and most generous man I have ever had the privilege to know and call a true friend.His support to us all over the years will forever be appreciated, and never forgotten. This special man had an incredible skill of being able to turn even gloomy days into sunshine, and always the negative into positive.

Jim and Linda were such a unique “team”. Jim was always modest concerning his own achievements but so delightfully proud of all that his beloved Linda brought to the sport with her tireless energy and ability to help so many people with her huge amount of knowledge and experience.
 
The ‘Horse World’, especially racing and dressage, has lost one of its most valuable friends and supporters. My heart goes out to Linda and the rest of Jim’s family for the loss of this truly great man.

Michelle Gibson
Jim will be missed!! I always looked forward to seeing and visiting with him!! My heart goes out to Linda during this difficult time.

Doug Froh
May all of us have 1/4 the life that he had. He was an unending fountain of knowledge, laughter and wisdom. From his childhood through his college and Viet Nam years to his journey through his later years. He was a great man who lived by his own terms. A huge loss.

Tami D Hoag
Such a sweet, happy, and always positive person. I miss him already. deepest sympathies to Linda and the family.

Carol Lueder
I met Jim Lewis when his son, Jimmy married my daughter, Liz. While I never knew Mr. Lewis well, the few times we met I found him to be gracious and totally committed to thoroughbred racing and dressage. God speed Jim. With respect and comfort to the family, Linda, Jimmy, Lisa and others.

Obituary in Annapolis Gazette
James Lewis III
James "Jim" Fielding Lewis III, 72, a 12 year resident of Edgewater, formerly of Annapolis, died May 15 at Anne Arundel Medical Center, of a heart attack. He was born September 29, 1939 in Toledo, OH. Jim attended University of Virginia and was in the U.S. Coast Guard in Vietnam.

He was self employed, owning a horse farm in Hyde, then moving the operations to Idlewild Farm in Davidsonville. Mr. Lewis was President of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and had been involved with horse racing since college. He loved fly fishing, snow skiing and encouraging and supporting family members achievements.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda L. Zang; one son, James F. Lewis IV, Bozeman, MT; one daughter, Lisa Lynn Lewis, Toronto, Canada; and one grandchild, Hayden Lewis, of Montana.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 19 at 11am at Quaker Burial Ground, Galesville Rd. Galesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team
3 Day Team London
P.O. Box 355
Gladstone, NJ 07934-9955