James Donald Lee

James Donald “Jim” Lee, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died on Sunday, March 17, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born December 18, 1943 in Los Angeles, CA. His beloved mother, Annie Fleming, was a young nurse stationed in California during World War II. Jim never knew his father, who was believed to have died during the war. When Jim was an infant, Annie returned home. Jim was raised amidst his extended southern family in Dothan, Alabama. Eventually, Annie settled in Northern Virginia and married Clarence Bainum. Together, they lovingly raised Jim there.

He was a voracious reader from a very young age, but he also enjoyed playing high school football until a knee injury sidelined him. Around this time, he met his beloved Jacqualyn (Jackie) Davis, and they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA on August 8, 1964. Within six years, they had three young children whom they were raising in Arlington, VA, where Jim worked in retail management to support his family. As he moved up the corporate ladder, they all moved from Virginia to Florida to Oklahoma to Ohio, finally settling in Texas, where the warm weather and friendly folks delighted Jim’s southern roots.

Jim was a quiet, private man who was happiest at home: reading, watching sports, and especially keeping tabs on his Texas Rangers. He was thrilled to see them finally win the World Series. He was very proud of his dear wife, Jackie, who was very involved at her parish, and he grew to love his Catholic faith and supported Jackie in her many volunteer roles.

In his retirement, Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, tending to his lawn, playing poker, and listening to audio books. As cancer ravaged his body, his love for his family grew even stronger, and he was eager to hear all the latest news and updates, especially about the grandkids, of whom he was very proud.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Annie Bainum. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqualyn, daughter Jennifer (Bill) Dostalik, sons David Lee and Michael Lee, and six grandchildren: Margaret Dostalik, Mary Grace (Raul) Rodriguez, John Paul Dostalik, Anna Dostalik, Thérèse Dostalik and Anthony Dostalik, and his two great-grandsons, Charlie and Teddy.