Jong Suk Lee

Jong Suk Lee, professionally known as Jon Lee, passed away peacefully at his home in Germantown, Maryland, on March 19, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on May 9, 1944, in Seoul, South Korea, Jon lived through the hardships of the Korean War during his early childhood. His resilience and determination shaped a remarkable life of dedication, entrepreneurship, and family.

A proud graduate of the prestigious Seoul High School in 1963, Jon displayed a keen intellect and strong work ethic from an early age. Jon moved to Vietnam in the late 60's during the Vietnam War, where he worked for USAID supporting development projects in Saigon until 1971. Alongside his work, he pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by starting a successful side business, traveling between Saigon and Hong Kong to sell custom-made suits.

During his time in Vietnam, Jon's path crossed with a U.S. Consulate officer who facilitated his move to the United States. In 1971, with only a few hundred dollars and an unwavering spirit, Jon settled in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he built a new life. He established Esquire Clothiers on Colesville Road in downtown Silver Spring, a respected custom tailoring and menswear business that became a cornerstone of the community. In the 80s, he expanded his business to include two new stores, one in downtown DC on 15th Street and K Street NW, and another inside Montgomery Mall. During the 90s, he consolidated his stores and Esquire Clothiers opened in the newly expanded Wheaton Plaza. After the downturn of the menswear business, he pivoted his business to custom tailoring and alterations, re-opened his store inside Montgomery Mall in the late 90s, and eventually moved to Old Georgetown Square in Bethesda, where he remained until he retired and closed his store in 2019.

Throughout his nearly 50 years of business, he was able to sponsor and employ over 30 different tailors from his homeland of South Korea, who have in turn moved on to open their own successful businesses and careers. Jon has been a faithful member of Global Mission Church of Greater Washington. Jon was introduced to his wife Chang Lee through a mutual friend and married soon thereafter in 1973. Jon's life was defined by his devotion to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Chang Soon Lee; his son Jason and wife Elizabeth, along with granddaughters Amelia and Genevieve; his son Hanson and wife Suann, and granddaughters Abigail and Alaina; and his son Tyson and wife Heidi, and grandson Seneca. His love and guidance will continue to live on through them.

Jon will be remembered for his warmth, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey from Seoul to Silver Spring stands as a testament to the courage and determination he embodied throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, family devotion, and kindness that will be cherished forever.

A viewing will be held at 5pm with a memorial service at 6pm will be held to honor his memory on Monday, March 24th at Global Mission Church of Greater Washington in Silver Spring, MD, with a private burial service the following morning at Norbeck Memorial Park.