Lee, James A. Col. 1939 - 2020

LEE, WILKINS, SESHER, CAMPBELL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

James A. "Jim" Lee, USAF Col. (Ret), age 81 of Oakwood, OH, died on September 14, 2020. Jim was born in the church parsonage in Paullina, IA to Rev. Donald G. and Ruth C. Lee. The church and family of God continued to be a vital part of his life from that earliest day. During his father’s 30 years in the ministry, including serving as a chaplain in WWII, Jim’s family lived in Paullina and Callender, IA; Villa Park, IL; and Decorah, IA.

Jim graduated from Decorah High School in 1957 and from the University of Michigan in 1962 with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Jim then embarked on a 27 year career in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in 1988. His assignments included all organization levels in research and development and in managing major aircraft programs, with tours at the Pentagon, the Boston area, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Jim retired again in 1999 after ten years in Akron, OH in the defense industry managing several aircraft simulator programs. He then returned once more to Dayton to spend his retirement years near family and friends. Jim was always active in the Lutheran Church wherever his assignments carried him. He taught Sunday school and Confirmation, served as youth director and as organist, choir director and director of music at churches in NM, MN, OH, MD and MA.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents and his wife of 42 years, Charlotte Wilkins Lee. Jim leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 17 years, Cheryl Sesher Lee. Jim is also survived by his four children: sons Alan Lee (Debbie); Rev. Jeffrey Lee (Heather); and Terry Lee; and daughter Vicki (Scott) Campbell; six grandchildren, Anna, Ian, Aaron, Brenna, Marissa and Aria; three brothers: Daniel (Barbara); Richard (Cathy); and Mark (Glenda) and their families. Jim is also survived by his wife Cheryl’s four children: David, Tracy, Michael and Jennifer and their spouses and her seven grandchildren.

Private service for family only. Interment will be in The Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah, IA at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1603 Moorefield Rd., Springfield, OH 45503.

Lutheran Decorah Cemetery
 

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