Jimmie Elgin Lee

July 7, 1941 – June 1, 2026

Jimmie "Jim" Elgin Lee, age 84, of Leeds, Alabama, was peacefully escorted to his Heavenly home on Monday, June 1, 2026, from the VA Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. A Life of Dedicated Service

Jim began his lifelong commitment to service at the age of 18 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. As a proud Vietnam veteran, he served honorably in Air Rescue and Recovery. After 13 years of faithful active duty, Jim returned home to care for his parents and help operate the family business, Lee Tobacco and Candy Company. His commitment to his country never faded, leading him to join the Naval Reserves, where he served another 13 years until his retirement in 2001. A Passion for People and Adventure Jim possessed an adventurous spirit and a deep love for nature, especially the beaches and the water. He spent many joyous hours scuba diving alongside his dearest friends, Rick Wood and Arthur Tucker. Always on the go, Jim cherished taking his friends out for a meal and leading his grandchild, Micah, and great-grandchildren, Carson and Makenna, on unforgettable adventures. He loved teaching his great-grandson Carson—whom he affectionately called "my boy"—how to fish, instructing him not just in the sport, but how to be a true "fisher of men." His grandson Ryan affectionately named him "Beep-Beep" which became how he was fondly known by all. Jim brought joy to everyday moments, famously handing out two-dollar bills to children and to anyone he witnessed showing kindness and compassion. A Legacy of Faith and Humility Jim’s greatest pursuit and ultimate legacy was being a Child of God, a gracious gift of divine love that can never be taken away. He was a man of immense humility who faced life's challenges by reminding those around him to "Remember Job." While his absence leaves a profound void, his family takes comfort in scripture: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints." Family and Loved Ones

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 21 years, Frieda Lee; his sisters, Edna Godsey (Max) and Inus Bryant; his daughters, Tracy Morton, Selena Murphy, Amy Duncan, and Angela Cochran (Todd); and his son, Brandon Shaw (Selena).

He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Tristen Hilburn, Micah Duncan, Ryan Newton (Courtney), Ashlyn Brewer (John Luke), Olivia Shaw, Darcy Shaw, and Liam Shaw; his cherished great-grandchildren, Carson Newton, Makenna Newton, and Hollis Brewer; alongside a host of extended family members and close friends.

Services and Expressions of Gratitude family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Kilgroe Funeral Home (Leeds, Alabama) beginning at 12:00 PM. The Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM. Jim will be laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery.