John Thomas (Jesse) LEWIS

Jess Lewis wrestled for Oregon State, winning three conference titles (1968-70), making All-American three times (1968-70), and winning the NCAA title in 1969-70 as a heavyweight. He competed at the 1966 World Championships and the 1968 Universiade. Lewis also played football at Oregon State, and was a two-time Pac 8 All-Conference selection as a defensive tackle. Drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1970, Lewis spent a year in the NFL on the taxi squad, but never got to play. For many years after life was not as good.

Lewis developed problems with drug use. He and his second wife, Vickie, who also had addiction problems, lived on a family farm in Aumsville, Oregon but they were kicked off the farm by family because of their drug use. They lived in the woods for a few years, where Lewis scratched out a living clearing trees with a chainsaw. In the early 1990s both entered a drug treatment program which saved both their lives. Lewis returned to Oregon State, where for over 20 years he was the athletic grounds maintenance supervisor. He also obtained a masters degree in education and worked as a drug counselor.