James Kenneth David Lee

James Kenneth David Lee, born on March 21, 1952 in Glen Daniel, West Virginia peacefully boarded his flight to be with the Lord September 9, 2024.

James, affectionately referred to as “Jimmy Lee”, was fun-loving, gregarious, and a natural conversationalist who was well informed on many topics including sports, politics, and entertainment. He listened intently and was known for having a way with words, never mincing them, speaking with heart and passion and leaving no words unspoken.

 At a very young age, small in stature, he was known for being curiously mischievous. He was a neighborhood favorite, very social and played with all kids in the West Wood neighborhood, developing lifelong friendships.

James attended Roosevelt High School and was a graduate of the class of 1970. There, he excelled in Basketball and Wrestling and was a big personality in the class, with friendships that savored throughout the years, spanning the course of nearly six decades.

He later attended Wright State and Wilberforce University with an interest in pre-medicine.

Hard work was a value and character trait that he carried with him every day to Dayton Tire and Rubber until it closed and later General Motors, where he retired.

Known for not sitting still, he was never fully retired and at the request of his son voluntarily stepped up to serve as Head Coach for the Huber Heights YMCA for several seasons, garnering the team a Championship. As a coach, he was animated, full of energy and brought out the best in his players.

 As the seasons of life continue to bring out the best version in all of us, the last years of his life he spent devoted to helping others through his lawn service business. Through this endeavor, he employed many recovering addicts, providing daily transportation and daily pay out of his pocket for a day’s work. He was meticulous about the details in his work and acquired many customers throughout the City of Dayton. He could always be counted on to arrive well before the start time of the job. He did this work up to and throughout his illness until he no longer could.

The weeks, days and hours leading up to what would be his final breaths of life in this world, he became a favorite patient to many who cared for him, he mimicked his daughter often, he was affectionate and welcomed a foot massage, a back rub or his head being gently rubbed, he danced, he hugged his children and family with the strength of God, embraced their hands, smiled at a baby, petted a dog and he fought like the life he lived, with everything in him.

Undoubtedly, he wasn’t ready to depart this life but God was ready to receive him in another. James took his last breath, on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 3:21 pm surrounded by dear friends and family. Even in his final hours, God allowed him to speak with his hands, eyes and spirit to comfort those he left behind.

James is survived by his daughters, Roblyn Bailey-Hill (Donald Hill), Stacey Lawson and Aesha Lee and a son, James Jeremy; devoted sisters, Jeanne Lee, Rita Lee (Eddie Bizzell), and Susan Lee; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; significant other, Cheryl Napier; and a host of nieces and nephews, including dear friends, Wayne Arrington, Brian Jackson, Stephanie Lawson and Randy Simes. He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Cerelia Lee, a brother, Claude Lee Jr. and a sister, Ruth Lee Matthews. James will be dearly missed by his loved ones, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, laughter, animation, and commitment that will forever be present with friends and family.

Funeral service 11 am Monday, September 16, 2024 at Phillips Temple CME Church,  3620 Shiloh Springs Rd, Trotwood, OH. Visitation 10 am at which time family will receive friends. Entombment Woodland Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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