Final Salute

Jack Eugene Lee, retired Senior Chief, husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, builder, and hero, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024, surrounded by family at the home he designed and built in Lanexa, VA.

Jack grew up in the small town of Auburn, Nebraska after moving from his birthplace of Cando, North Dakota as a child. He was preceded in death by his mother Madlean Lee, his father James Lee, his younger brothers Jimmy Lee and Jerry “Pete” Lee, and his younger sister Vickie Corlby. Of the many different jobs, he had growing up, carpentry and building led him to enlist in the Navy as a Seabee (CB, Construction Battalion) in 1968, just before the United States’ peak involvement in the Vietnam Conflict. A few years after his three tours in Vietnam, while working with the State Department and stationed in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Jack met a beautiful young Canadian nurse named Marnie. Love blossomed, and after some long-distance courting, they were married on March 20th, 1976, in Selkirk, Manitoba. Jack and Marnie lived in Manilla, Philippines for a few years at the beginning of their marriage. Later, Jack was stationed in Norfolk, VA, where he prepared for retirement from his 20-year career in the Navy and began building his house in New Kent County. Retired Senior Chief Jack Lee continued his love for carpentry and building, making beautiful furniture, cabinets, decks, and houses.

Jack was also a lover of all things “outdoors” – hunting, fishing, and camping. He will forever be remembered by countless friends, children, and members of the community for his unparalleled and selfless contributions of volunteer service spanning 20 years to the DGIF Hunter Education Program, the Four Rivers 4-H Shooting Club, the New Kent County Extension Office, and the James City County Fishing Camp. He always gave 100% and left a legacy that will be remembered and felt for generations.

He is survived by his loving wife Marnie; daughter Sandra “Sandy” Shaffar (Paul); son Aaron Lee (Jennifer); grandchildren Jack Shaffar, Taylor Shaffar, Hunter Lee, and Ruby Lee; and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Vincent Funeral Home (9923 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Four Rivers 4-H Shooting Club and/or Amedisys Hospice Care.