Meet the Man Behind GMSD Safety: Jimmy Lewis

On September 28, GMSD welcomed Jimmy Lewis as the district’s new School Safety Specialist. Jimmy brings 27 years of experience with the Memphis Police Department, where he worked everything from midnight patrol to FBI task forces. Over the years, he investigated auto thefts, chop shops, public corruption, and later led the Violent Crimes Unit as lieutenant, overseeing carjackings, robberies, and interstate shootings. His career has been marked by a steady dedication to protecting communities and leading with integrity.

After retiring from law enforcement, Jimmy continued his commitment to student safety by serving as Director of Safety and Security at Fayette Academy. There, he oversaw emergency drills, coordinated with local law enforcement, and provided a daily presence on campus for students and staff. That experience, paired with his long record of service in Memphis, uniquely prepared him for his new role with GMSD.

Jimmy is, however, not a stranger to GMSD. For the past year, he has been on the softball field at Houston High, serving as an assistant coach and building relationships with students. Coaching is his passion. He has led teams for more than 17 years, founded the Mississippi Glory organization, and today mentors nearly 100 players each season. That same drive to mentor and serve is what drew him to the district. “I want to be a visible presence in schools, someone students and staff can turn to for support,” he said. “This role gives me the opportunity to continue serving the community while also being a mentor.”

Married for 32 years to his wife, Cynthia, Jimmy is the proud father of two daughters who both followed paths in education. One teaches elementary school in Lakeland, while the other is pursuing her degree at UT Martin.

When he is not working or coaching, Jimmy enjoys collecting sports memorabilia and traveling with his teams on weekends. He also credits faith and family for guiding his career decisions, including his choice to step into school safety after retiring from law enforcement.

As Jimmy settles into his new role, he hopes to build strong relationships with students, support our SROs, and bring both his expertise and his compassion to the job. Please join us in welcoming Jimmy Lewis, a dedicated leader, mentor, and coach, to the GMSD family.