He educated his brother in telegraphy, and William took over as office manager when Lewis quit to focus on the study of law.
[3] Lewis was admitted to the bar in Wisconsin in 1861, then left Racine for Virginia City, Nevada Territory.
[1] On retiring from the court, he entered private practice in partnership with W. E. F. Deal in Virginia City.
Lewis had severe Asthma for his entire life and was forced to quit Virginia City in 1881 due to trouble with that affliction.
James' younger brother, William Turnor Lewis, became a prominent businessman in Racine, Wisconsin, co-founding the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company.