SGM (Ret) James Roland Lee, age 93, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023. James was born in Pembrook, Georgia. A Celebration of James' Life will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the World War II Chapel, located (behind) the National Infantry Museum 1775 Legacy Way #235, Columbus, GA 31903, burial will follow at Fort Benning's Main Post Cemetery with full military honors, a reception after the committal and military honors will be held at the National Infantry Museum at approx. 3:00 PM, 1775 Legacy Way #235, Columbus, Georgia.
Jim was born in Pembrook, Georgia, on August 12, 1929. James married Josephine Elizabeth Langley on February 3, 1951 in Calvary, Georgia. Jim was Methodist by faith and enjoyed attending the Main Chapel on Ft. Benning. He knew of the importance of education and he was able to graduate from Troy State University with a Master’s Degree. Jim was a people person, he enjoyed teaching, mentoring, and he was passionate about the U.S. Army.
Jim first joined the U.S. Army in July of 1948, after a couple of years and realizing how much he liked the military service he applied and was selected for Officer Candidate School where he earned the rank of 2LT. He did not feel this was his calling so he gained an honorable discharge. Shortly after, he reenlisted as a SSG, and this is where he found his calling. During his twenty-four year military career, he was stationed twice in Germany, then Korea, and did two tours in Vietnam. During his time in the military, he was awarded many medals and awards for his stellar career. He enjoyed his time in the Army, and mentoring to young soldiers. Upon retiring in 1973, he then began a second career as an instructor in the JROTC program in the Columbus school district. Again, mentoring to a younger set of potential military personnel. After eighteen years, he retired from that position. When the National Infantry Museum opened, he was among the first to begin volunteering and again mentoring to the many soldiers and visitors there, giving tours in the World War II street was among his favorite. James Lee was a member and chapter President of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Chapter in Columbus for several years. He was also a member of the Fort Benning Sergeants Major Association. Jim's love and knowledge of the military and specifically for the army led to thousands of volunteer hours at the National Infantry Museum, where you could find him, leading tours or at the information desk sharing his knowledge and experience. His volunteer service led to the dedication of the First Sergeants office in the World War I orderly room. Jim loved the Army, however his greatest love was for the family he loved and cherished.
James is preceded in death by: his wife, Jospehine Langley Lee; his parents, Hugh W. and Alvarine Lee; his siblings, Hugh Lee, Robert Lee, Mildred Lee Edwards, Earl Lee; and a granddaughter, Samantha Lee.
Survivors include: his children, Stuart (Kim) Lee, Wayne (Cheryl) Lee, Penni Lee (Jon Grant) Thomas, grandchildren, Lauren Martin (Bryan Jones), Caleb Thomas, Christopher Lee, Kori (Justin) Lee Sellers, Carter Lee, Brandon (Kinzi) Poole, Chasen (Jessica) Pooler, Tyler Poole; great grandchildren, Tyler Rudd, Brody Rudd, Wesley Rudd, Christian Jones; and his longtime companion Jean McKee.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Lee family.
