James Lee

James G. Lee, 81, of Onarga peacefully passed away at 4:02 pm Friday February 10, 2023 at his home with his loving family at his side. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday February 16, 2023 at The Living Word Church in Roberts and from 10:00 am-11:00 am Friday February 17, 2023 with funeral services beginning at 11:00 am. Pastor Douglas Lee officiating. Burial will take place at Ridgeland Township Cemetery in rural Thawville. Memorial contributions may be made to: Living Word Church.  Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was born March 14, 1941 in Greenville, Kentucky. A son of James Charles and Louise (Shelton) Lee. He married his high school sweetheart Sharon K. Hoover on June 28, 1959 in Thawville.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years Sharon Lee of Thawville. Three sons Douglas (Lucinda) Lee of Gibson City, Steven (Teresa) Lee of Paxton and Ken (Angela) Lee of Melvin. Six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Also four sisters Donna (Harry) Potter of Bowling Green, Kentucky; LaVonne (Nathan) Goodman of Windbey Island, Washington; Sheryle (Dale) Atkins of Fairbury and Patricia (Brad) Cole of Bellflower, and one Sister-in-law, Mary Lee of Thawville. He was preceded in death by a brother Michael Lee.

Jim graduated from Roberts-Thawville High School in 1959 where he was an all- state basketball player. He owned and operated the Thawville Cob Company for twenty years and was president of the Roberts-Thawville and Ford Central School Boards for several years. He was outspoken about his Christian World View and witness for Christ.  He was a founding Board member of Living Word Church in Roberts and served as an adult Sunday school teacher for over thirty years. He was the founder of Lee Farms and Excavation, and enjoyed many planting seasons and harvests over the years. He also enjoyed watching Illini basketball and was an avid fisherman who took great pride in the family lake that he designed and built. He was happy there and was even happier when family gathered there. Jim enjoyed family visits, and time together, more than he enjoyed anything else.  He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.