We are sad to announce the passing of James (Jim) Lee on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Devoted and loving husband of 65 years to Muriel (Lee), Jim would have celebrated his 94th birthday in May. One of seven children, Jim was born in Holland Township, south of Owen Sound, to the late Robert and Lillie Lee. Jim is the last surviving sibling, having been predeceased by sisters Lila, Evelyn and Mary, and brothers, George, John and Wes. In his early years, Jim sailed the Great Lakes for Imperial Oil, where he satisfied his love of sailing and adventure, even steering the ship safely through a tidal wave off the coast of B.C. After marrying Muriel in 1955, the couple settled in Hamilton, where Jim accepted a position in logistics for Imperial Oil.
Jim and Muriel enjoyed an active life in Hamilton, where they were long-standing and active members of Trinity Baptist Church. As anyone who knew him will attest, Jim loved to sing, and was a member of The International Harvester Choir, doing the bass section proud on such favourites as ‘Climb Every Mountain’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’. The couple spent winters in Florida, where they enjoyed the company of many friends and neighbours in Lakeland over dinners, sing-a-longs and outings. When in Florida, Jim and Muriel attended the United Methodist Church in Haines City. Jim’s many friends recount special times spent sailing or organizing a social gathering to bring people together, often over Muriel’s fine cooking. For the past eight years, the couple has lived at Villa Italia, (Hamilton), where they have come to know the company of many new friends, and the wonderful staff that make it a special place to call home.
Jim will be deeply missed by his family, including nieces, nephews, and cousins, both on his side and on Muriel’s. Dear Father to adopted daughter Kimberly (Tino); Grandfather to Maija (Roi), Nathan (Laura) and Rhiana (Kazuyoshi); Great Grandfather to Desmond, Nicholas, Lorenza, Cai and Chiyo. Special thanks to dear friends who became family, including Ica Smith, Audrey & Jack, Don Barry, the Dixon Family, Jack & Kay Roser and many more: you held a special place in Jim’s heart.
Grateful thanks to the excellent staff at Hamilton General Hospital, where Jim appreciated the compassionate and professional care during his last few weeks.
Visitation for James Lee will be held at Harmony Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 13th, 6-8:30PM. Harmony Baptist Church is located at 1763 Upper James Street, Hamilton.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, March 14th at Harmony Baptist Church; Reverend Clarke Dixon officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations would be most appreciated for Harmony Baptist Church or CityKidz charity for inner-city youth, at: Harmony Baptist Church, (www.harmonybaptist.ca)
1763 Upper James St., Hamilton ON L9B 1K7
CityKidz, (www.citykidz.ca)
CityKidz Hamilton, 601 Burlington St E, Unit A, Hamilton, ON L8L 4J5
“It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind, that determines which way we will go’ –Jim Rohn
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