James Lewis Chadwick, Sr.

(James) Lewis Chadwick Sr., 82, passed away peacefully in the comfort of home, surrounded by family. Born and raised in Salem NY, he led an enterprising life.

Lew met his wife, Shirley in 1984, who became his “Queen of Hearts.” In September 1994, they were married and seeking new adventures, they moved to North Carolina. Lew enjoyed the sunshine and birdwatching from their screened-in porch and his window bird feeder in their apartment. Lew loved his mornings with coffee, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the clowning of their devoted schnauzers, Rusty and Ruby.

Dabbling in various construction and carpentry ventures, Lew held many jobs, eventually retiring from Boise-Cascade Building & Distribution in Greensboro, NC.

With a vast sense of curiosity and adventure, Lew and Shirley delighted in taking many “mini adventures”, highlights of which include: The Grand Canyon, Nashville, Dollywood, The Bahamas, countless mountain tops, Disney World, the Redwood Sequoias of CA and Jekyll Island, GA. Upon returning home from their travels, they loved visits from family and friends seeking to get away from colder weather. Leaving the red dirt clay of NC for the green grass of Upstate NY, Lew and Shirley moved back to their home base to be near family in 2019. They were together for 41 years.

He is survived by his wife Shirley and all his children: Laura Wait, Christine Wait, Lisa Wait-Norton, Scott Wait, James Chadwick Jr, and Kelly Chadwick. He is survived by his beloved grandchildren and abundant great-grandchildren. Predeceasing Lew are his parents, brother, one grandson, and two sons-in-law.        

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society.
 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Maplewood Cemetery, Corner of Weibel and Louden Road, Saratoga Springs, NY.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.