James E. Lee's Obituary
Loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, James E. Lee passed away on February 1, 2026, after a short illness.
Jim was born June 1, 1931, to Eanes and Dorothy Rose Lee. He lived in Decatur, and attended his freshman and sophomore years at St. Teresa High School before moving with his parents to Trego, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Spooner High School. He married Lenora “Sug” Tangney on May 30, 1953.
Jim recognized the value of service from a young age, serving in the Army during the Korean War as a radio operator. He served his community as a firefighter with the Decatur Fire Department for 33 years, from 1955 to 1988, rising through the ranks, retiring as Battalion Chief. He set the example for a generation of firefighters through his dedication, courage and humility.
Jim was a licensed tree expert and owner of Lee’s Lawn and Tree Service. He was a longtime member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. Jim and Sug spent several months each year at their cottage on Benoit Lake in Spooner, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed happy times with family and close friends.
Jim leaves behind his loving daughter Tere Lee-Dillard and son Mike (Cheryl) Lee; grandchildren Dana (Michael) O’Hara, Seth (Meghan) Dillard and Jenna (Patrick) Dillard-Shroeder, all of Arizona; Sam (Jenny) Lee and Mekala (Josh) Karcz of Decatur; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Lenora (Sug), his parents, Eanes and Dorothy Rose Lee; son Timothy; brothers David and Richard Lee; and in-laws Edwin and Helen Tangney.
Jim will be missed by all who knew him and we will forever carry him in our hearts.
Visitation will be held at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home on February 14, from 11 to 12:30, followed by a funeral service from 12:30 to 1:00, and burial at Graceland Cemetery. After the burial, join Jim’s family for a Celebration of Life at the Knights of Columbus Hall from 2:30 to 4:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, https://alzfdn.org.
Condolences may be left online at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
