James A. Lee, 77, of Cato passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 05, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born in Jackson, MI on February 19,1947. He is the son of the late Paul M. Lee and the late Lois (Sylvester) Lee. Jim was a graduate of Cato-Meridian High School before enlisting in the U.S. Marines where he served 2 years stationed in Japan.n his earlier years he enjoyed fishing & hunting, often including his nephews. He was employed as a butcher for many years at the IGA store in Cato working for Don Mack, Bill Keysor and John Cashion (Diz). His final job as a Custodian at CMCS was a rewarding one for himself and the children he thoroughly enjoyed. Among other things, Jim was known for spoiling them with ice cream money. As you can imagine, they all loved him. Jim was a very giving "people" person and enjoyed interacting with teachers and co-workers. Jim retired in 2009 and loved to travel country back roads, visiting Old Forge, Lancaster, PA, and camping at Brennan beach. He also enjoyed wintering in Florida, making many friends along the way. A passionate guy and NASCAR was a
notable one. He could often be found attending school sporting events and Little League games cheering his many nieces and nephews on.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, wife Donna (Jarvis) Lee, brother-in-law Gary
Wayman and great-nephew Shawn Lee.

Jim is survived by his daughter Terry (Tom) Kirsch of Red Creek, his loving companion Jean Jarvis of West Monroe, brothers Kenneth (Jan) Lee of Weedsport NY/Florida, Gary (Denise) Lee of Wilmington, DE/Florida, Michael Lee of Cato, sisters Linda Wayman and Sherri (Fred) Rickard, both of Cato, grandchildren Katrina (Doug) Miller, Shanell France, Cassandra France, Tommy Kirsch and several great-grandchildren,
and many loving nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be Saturday, March 16 from 11am until 2pm followed by a Memorial Service with Military Honors, 2pm at the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 11362 South St., Cato, NY 13033. Burial to follow at Cato Union Hill Cemetery. A gathering will follow at Cedar Creek Farm, 12960 Rt. 176 Hannibal, NY to share memories and celebrate a special life well lived.

A man's true legacy is not in the monuments he leaves behind, but in the lives he has touched.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to any of the following:
The Syracuse Home, 7740 Meigs Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
The Cato Fire Department, PO Box 252 Cato, NY 13033
Cimvac Ambulance, 2496 West Main St. Cato, NY 13033