Obituaries/Services

James Jay Lee

Text:

Obituary For James Jay Lee

James Jay Lee, 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, from heart failure. He was the beloved husband of Lillian Lee and father of Kim Lee of West Orange, New Jersey, and Kai Lee of Middletown, New York.

James was born in Taishan, Guangdong Province in China, on November 9, 1932, to the late Lum Wai Lee and Cee Tam Hom. Early on, he was recognized by his elders as an exceptionally bright child, and his village helped him emigrate to Vancouver, Canada, to acquire a better education and greater opportunity. While in Vancouver, he studied, worked numerous jobs to support himself, and was accepted at the Art Center in Pasadena after graduating high school.

This led to a long and successful career in advertising from the 1960s to the 1990s. James worked as an Art Director for some of New York’s most illustrious agencies, including D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles and McCann Erickson. In his later years, James pursued numerous entrepreneurial ventures, embraced his local Chinese community, practiced Tai Chi, and tended to his passion for plants and gardening.

He will be missed by countless friends and family members who will remember his kindness and creativity with great fondness and admiration.

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Visitation:

Friday, December 29, 2023

2:00 pm ~ 5:00 pm

7:00 pm ~ 9:00 pm

Funeral:

Saturday:

December 30, 10:00 am

Interment:

Rosedale Montclair Cemetery

Montclair NJ

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Condolences

  • 12/29/2023

    Kelly S

    Mr. Lee was so kind and sweet. He was my parents neighbor for about 30 years and saw us all grow up. He was a true maverick of the land, always tending to him impressive garden. He is deeply missed

  • 12/29/2023

    Ricky Spina

    Mr. Lee knew a lot about many different things. He even knew all the different mountains in Vermont that I would go snowboarding in. He will be missed. Best, Ricky Spina

  • 12/29/2023

    Lila Smith

    Our sincerest condolences, on the loss of your beloved husband and, father. May all the wonderful memories provide you all with peace and comfort during this time. Dan & Lila Smith

  • 12/28/2023

    Carmen & Mel Choutie

    We loved Mr. Lee. Every time we visited our family that were his neighbors, he was working in his garden. We learned a lot from him about gardening and more. He was very pleasant and kind and often gave us plants and seeds. We will miss him. Carmen and Mel Choutie

  • 12/28/2023

    Anthony Spina

    I am really grateful to have grown up with Mr Lee as a neighbor. He was always exceedingly kind to me. He is a big part of the reason I have wanted to learn more about taking care of plants. You will be missed Love Anthony Spina

  • 12/28/2023

    Rick & Elsa Spina

    Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Lee, Kim & Kai on the loss of your dear husband and father. Mr. Lee was a very special person and we were very blessed and fortunate to be his neighbor for 27 years. He was always really patient with me whenever I would ask him for advice about my plants, and he always gave me feedback on how I could properly tend to them. He was a gentle and wise man. We will miss him dearly. -Rick and Elsa Spina

  • 12/28/2023

    Cassandra Lee

    I remember when you use to come visit us. I remember the small things like when you cut bananas with your cheerios in the morning, read the morning paper, watch CNN, or give life advice over breakfast. My cat, Kami, loved to curl up and sleep around your head at night. She felt safe with you as we all did. Thank you for being the steady comfort in our lives. Thank you for all the love through the years. We will miss you greatly.

  • 12/28/2023

    Beverly Tyrell

    An amazing person....kind. generous, humble, gifted...a 67 year old friendship....He will be missed particularly his warm smile, his subtle laughter, wit. A great sadness at your loss...take care Lilly Kai, Kim.

  • 12/28/2023

    Joanne Mah

    Sending my condolences to the whole family from a Vancouver friend of Jimmy's since we were teenagers. He Knew how to retain his close friendships through his warmth , generosity and compassion throughout his whole life. Rest in peace Jimmy Joanne Mah

  • 12/28/2023

    Zofia & Jozef

    Our sincere condolences to you Lillian, Kim, Kai and Courtenay for the loss of your beloved Husband and Father. May James rests in peace. Love Zofia and Jozef

Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    10 Trees were planted in memory of James Jay Lee - 12/29/2023

  • 10 TREES

    10 Trees were planted in memory of James Jay Lee - 12/28/2023