James M. Lee, son of Luther R. "Pete" and Cora M. Chambers Lee, was born January 26, 1926 at Tescott, Kansas. He passed away Monday, February 9, 2009, at his home with his family by his side, having reached the age of 83 years, 20 days.
He attended Tescott Schools and entered the U.S. Army on June 14, 1944, and served his country through May 16, 1946. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.
Following his duty to serve his country, he returned to his hometown. He married Clea Nelson at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on September 25, 1949. All their married life was spent in the Tescott community. Jim trucked with Nelson-Lee Trucking for two years. He then farmed for the rest of his life, with his final harvest the summer of 2008, at the age of 82.
He was a member of the Tescott Saddle Club and a lifetime member of the VFW. He received the KBA Soil Conservation Award in 1988.
Survivors include his wife, Clea, of the home; three daughters, Rita Mankin and Janie Clemow of Overland Park and Janet Vonada, Sylvan Grove; three brothers, Duane and Von Lee of Tescott and John Lee of Seymour, Texas; two sisters, Twila Werries of Salina and Marzie Bremerman of Tescott, one aunt Elenora Shirack, seven grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy Lee, and his parents.
The family suggests memorials to the Tescott Volunteer Fire Department, %Bank of Tescott, P.O.Box 195, Tescott, KS 67484.