Final Salute

James “Jim” Elmer Lee Obituary

James Elmer Lee, 96, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016, at the Kansas Soldiers Home, Ft. Dodge. He was born March 16, 1920, in Great Bend, and spent most of his childhood in Fowler and his adult life in Hutchinson and Minneola.

Jim served in the 34th and 31st Divisions of the Sea Bees during World War II, and was stationed on the island of Tinian in the South Pacific as well as Japan.

A business man, Jim owned the Maytag store in Hutchinson and Lee’s Department Store in Minneola.

He was married to Rose Olivia Burgin for nearly 75 years. She passed away June 18, 2014.

Jim is survived by: sons, Jim and wife Beverly, Cape Fair, Mo., and Don, Pine, Ariz.; a daughter, Janice Smith and husband Jim, Evergreen, Colo.; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the Minneola United Methodist Church.
Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola.

There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.

The family suggests memorials to the Minneola United Methodist Church, in care of Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 459, Minneola, KS 67865. Condolences may be sent to www.minnismortuary.net.