James Frazier Lee, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Mercy One Hospice in Johnston, IA.
Jim was born October 20, 1939 in Des Moines, IA, to Patrick and Maxine Lee. He and his family lived in Valley Junction and Jim attended Valley High School and Dowling High School in Des Moines, IA. Following high school Jim proudly served in the Air National Guard of Iowa, from December 1956 to December 1957. After separation from the Guard, he joined the United States Navy and was transferred to the U.S. Naval Station in San Diego, CA, where he served his country from December 1957 until December 1962, at which time he was honorably discharged.
Following his military service, Jim was employed by the Rock Island Railroad as a switchman for six years. He attended DMACC graduating with a degree in welding. He was hired by Roto Rooter Corporation and welded there for 10 years. In January of 1979, Jim began a career at John Deere & Co. as a welder in the tool room, and eventually a welder and machinist in the experimental department, until his retirement in 2001.
In 1973, Jim met Deb Florer, whom he married August 3, 1974. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, David and Mark, who currently live and work in Colorado. Jim adored his nine year old twin granddaughters, Iris and Isabelle Lee.
Left to cherish his memory are, Deb, his wife of 47 years; his sons and granddaughters; brothers, Tom, Fred, and Steve Lee; and sister, Carol Thomsen.
Jim’s life was filled with many activities. He was an assistant Boy Scout leader for 12 years with Troop 202 in West Des Moines. He was a member of American Legion Post #562, in Cumming, IA, as a proud member of their Honor Guard. A quilt of valor was awarded to Jim in April of 2021 for his military service. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and golfing. During the cold winter months, he enjoyed shooting pool, bowling, and beer drinking with his many friends.
Visitation will be at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Services will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk on Friday, September 10, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. where Jim was a member for many years. Burial will follow services at St. John's Cemetery in Cumming, IA.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy One Hospice of Johnston, IA.
