James Wesley Lee

James (Jim) Wesley Lee, 85, passed away on October 19, 2024. Jim, an engineer, was deeply loved by his family and community alike. He enjoyed serving at his church, hunting, fishing, bowling and exploring nature. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling via cruise line with his wife Mary Lou and close friends. He was an active member of the Lansing United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer and assisted with church maintenance.

Born on September 21, 1939 in Corning, New York, he graduated from Northside High School in Corning. He served in the United States Marine Corps from January 1959 through December 1962, attaining the rank of Corporal. While in the service, he served aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) as a jet mechanic. He served the majority of his time off the coast of Japan. After being honorably discharged, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Design Engineering from Corning Community College. He moved to Ithaca shortly after college and began his career at National Cash Register (NCR) as a design engineer where he retired in 2000. While at NCR, he was awarded 3 U.S. patents for printer design.

Jim was the beloved husband of Mary Lou, whom he married on July 30, 1966 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Beaver Falls, New York, and loving father to Brian (Beth) and Jeff (Kim). He was the adored grandfather of Madeleine, Rory, Julia, Samantha and Mandy. He is also survived by Mary Lou’s siblings, Larry and Alice Streeter, many nieces and nephews and great/great-great nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou passed away on May 15, 2022. He is also predeceased by his parents, Wesley and Dorothy Lee, sister Joanne (Dick) Keesey and brother Bob (Shirley) Lee.

Visitation will be at Lansing Funeral Home on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Lansing United Methodist Church, Lansing, New York, following a private burial at North Lansing Cemetery.

The family extends sincere appreciation and thanks to the dedicated Companions from Comfort Keepers and the dedicated staff at Groton Community Health Care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America using the link below.

A recording of the service will be available below in the near future.