James P. Lee

James Patrick Lee, Jr., aged 78, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, in San Francisco, California. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 17, 1946, Jim was a lifelong learner who lived a life of deep commitment to his family and was admired by friends and family for his affability, brilliance, and sense of humor.

Jim leaves behind his wife Judith Lee; sons Patrick (Kate) Lee-McCarthy and Andrew (Laura) Lee; brother Michael (Jean) Lee; sisters Mary Kay (Joseph) Giunta and Monica (Michael) Thomas; and five grandchildren.

Jim graduated from Gonzaga College High School and furthered his education at Catholic University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, laying a strong foundation for a distinguished career as an engineer and marketing executive in the technology industry at companies like Bell Labs, AT&T, Intel, Sun Microsystems, and Network Appliance. In his later career, Jim turned his love for education outward, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at Golden Gate University and tutoring students in STEM and humanities subjects at every level of education.

In his personal life, Jim met the love of his life, Judy Ball, at Catholic University and was a devoted husband and partner for 55 years. His wit, intelligence, and ability to engage with everyone made him a cherished figure not only within his family but also across his broad circle of friends and acquaintances. A stalwart San Francisco Giants fan, Jim and his family were Charter Members of the Giants’ new ballpark. They also spent many years snow skiing together.

A Boy Scout in his youth, Jim reengaged with Scouting as an adult through his sons, both of whom earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement of which he was immensely proud. Jim remained actively involved with Scouting throughout his life, sharing his mentorship with the younger generation. For many years, he and Judy served as program co-chairs of the local Boy Scout Council’s annual fundraising gala.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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