Lee Family,

Our sincere love and condolences go out to you at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 

-Aislynne and Lynnette

So sorry to hear of Jays passing, we send our sincere condolences, are thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Steve, Esther and Jenna Gohmann

Res- in place Jae Lee. We are saddened by your passing- from the bustos family,

I’m so sorry for your loss. Jae really was the best dad there is. I’m so lucky to have known him so long and for him to be in my life. From Midtown, to tournaments, and to highland park vs deerfield matches he was always such a light in my life and was so caring and kind no matter the circumstances and always wanted the best for me. He was the greatest tennis dad there is and is so proud of all your accomplishments. He never failed to stop and talk for however long and I always enjoyed our conversations. He was always in such a good mood and made the stressful tennis situations so much better. The Lee family are so special to me and I cherish all our memories together over the past 12 years. Jae was so lucky to have a family like yours and I know he is so proud of you. Sending so much love and thinking of your family. Jae will be greatly missed. 
Love, Molly Murphy❤️❤️

Dear Jae, it’s heartbroken for your tennis family here in Michigan, your kindness and your smile, you will be deeply missed by all of us 💕.  Katie and I stopped by your restaurant late last year, your employees also spoke highly of you.  I’ve told Abby to reach out anytime as we are part of her family too ❤️.  Hugs and love to Abby and your family. 

Janet, Katie, Nicole, Kevin Fu

I can’t believe I’m writing this. Jae, you were and are the best. We played on the Midtown platform tennis team together. We laughed together, and had great memories together. When Midtown made terrible team dinners, I volunteered you (without asking) to feed the team with the wings that got me through college. Sassy Seoul all day, every day.

Having moved to NYC three years ago and finding this out over Facebook has been hard. I know how talented you were but also your family. I always saw in person (three years ago) or via Facebook you supporting your daughter’s tennis ambitions and I was just reading that she is on to great things. You might be gone but you live through them. 

Your legacy can’t be defined in words and I know you left an impression on me and everyone around you.

Rest easy and sending love big guy
Brett F

I haven't seen Jae in a couple years, but he was an amazing member of the community. I lived above Crisp when he first opened the restaurant, and I used to come downstairs and mix it up with the Cut Cats delivery guys, and got to know Jae. I had to move to North Carolina for a couple years, but ended up coming back to Chicago and moving right back upstairs above Crisp again. By this point Jae had converted my old apartment into his office/storage, and the day I was moving back in, he bought dinner for my family and friends that were helping me move. For the rest of the time I lived there, every time I'd come down to buy food he'd throw in a bunch of free stuff. There were even a couple times he was testing out new menu items and asked me to try them out. Such a great guy, and I'll never forget his graciousness and inclusion towards me. A huge loss. Thanks Jae.

Oppa, although you may have seemed a little reserved at first, so I found it difficult to approach you, the person I came to know was actually so warm and caring. I am especially grateful that you visited my father when he was in the hospital and took such good care of so many things. You also gave me so much wise advice as an older brother (cousin), and I will always be grateful for that.

You truly were an amazing person. I wish I had gotten to know you sooner and had become closer to you. It breaks my heart that I didn’t have more time with you.

Thank you, Oppa, for everything. May you rest in peace, and I hope we will meet again someday.

Sujung

We walked through life together, got to know one another as we met weekly, and laughed/cried as we shared in our parenting challenges. Jae, we loved your openness, honesty, love for others, your generosity, your humor, and your genuineness.  So thankful that we could have this last meal together and love on you. We know you’re basking in the light and glory of Jesus, and we’ll see you again someday!

This pic was taken not long after Crisp opened. Our family loved everything about it because that business represented you: hard work, a warm & inviting environment, & amazing food with all your love put into it.

Jae, you were truly one of the most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Kind, thoughtful, & of course, funny as hell, you always knew how to put a smile on our faces no matter what the situation. We hope that you’re now smiling upon us from up above. 

Rest my dear friend. Until we meet again.

OBITUARY

Jae Soung Lee

December 27, 1970 – August 16, 2026

Oehler Funeral Home

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