Dr. James Lewis Askew, 82, of Stuart, FL and Highlands, NC, passed away on May 31, 2018. A loving husband, son, father, and grandfather, he was a quintessential Southern gentleman with a kind, humble nature and a solid, steady presence.

He was born on March 15, 1936 in Alexander City, AL, the only child of Annie Mae (Farmer) and Lewis McClendon Askew. He was a graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, Emory University, and Emory University School of Medicine. Immediately after completing his surgical residency, he served his country in the Vietnam War as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy.

After his service, he completed a second residency, in radiology, and entered private practice in Riverdale, GA, where he became a respected radiologist and leader at Clayton General Hospital, now Southern Regional Medical Center.

He served on the boards of the Safe Kids Foundation, the Clayton State Foundation, and the Clayton Community Foundation. He devoted over 1,000 volunteer hours helping to organize and prepare medical services for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He served as coordinator of the 1996 Olympic Village Medical Services and was proud to carry the Olympic torch during the relay leading up to the games.

He was a highly decorated Masters runner and an enthusiastic member of the Atlanta Track Club and Highland Road Runners. In March, his 4 x 800 relay team set the indoor world record for men aged 80-89. Although he also is a three-time first-place Peachtree Road Race winner in his age group, his favorite Peachtree moment was crossing the finish line last year at the age of 81 with his daughter and granddaughter by his side (actually a few steps behind!)

Jim was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking for others. He spent many hours around a bridge or poker table laughing with friends, many of them at his beloved Lake Martin, where he hosted his family reunion for the past 40 years. Jim was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed tennis, fishing, hiking, water skiing, and kayaking. While he had many hobbies, what he loved most was the company of his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Askew; his daughter, Ann Colin; his son-in-law, Sam Colin; his three grandchildren, Sarah, Leah, and David Colin; and his first wife Julie Askew.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for July 8, 2018 at Lake Martin, AL. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to Children's Harbor at Lake Martin or Florida Oceanographic Society in Stuart.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Forest Hills Funeral Home Palm City.