Obituary of James Caldwell Lee

James Caldwell Lee, 90, died surrounded by family, on July 19, 2015. His passing finally brought closure to a 4-year wait to be rejoined with his beloved wife Susannah and completing a “long and wonderful life.” Jim’s parents were the late Rowena Sizer Lee, from Chattanooga and James C. Lee, originally from central Kentucky. His only sibling, George Sizer Lee, predeceased him. Jim and Susannah are survived by their two daughters, Rowena Lee Belcher (Lookout Mountain, GA) and Susan Lee Davis (Whidbey Island, WA,) along with grandsons Taylor and Beau Belcher and Hunter and Morgan Davis. He served in WWII the U.S. Army Combat Engineers in the Pacific Theater and was part of the unit of first troops to occupy Japan. Post service, Jim completed his undergraduate education at Rhode Island State University and then obtained a law degree from Washington and Lee University. There he met Susannah Crist a student at Sweetbriar College. They were married in January 1952. Jim thoroughly enjoyed his 50-year career of practicing law. He served as President of the Chattanooga Bar Association and as a member of the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Rule 42 Committee. Even in retirement, his passion for learning never waned. Civically, he provided much pro bono time and professional assistance to those in need, served on the Board of the Hunter Art Gallery in its early years and was a member of City Farmers and the Mountain City Club where his final years of membership “were spent playing a deteriorating game of 8-Ball.” A family ceremony will be held with the Rev. Ann Weeks officiating. A gathering of friends will be held at the Mountain City Club, Friday, July 24, 2015, from 5 until 7pm. The family expresses deep appreciation to the staff at The Terrace at Mountain Creek, where Jim and Susannah lived for nearly a decade. We also thank his Hospice of Chattanooga team who brought us comfort and support in this difficult life transition. In lieu of flowers to honor Jim’s memory, we would appreciate a contribution of money or service to a cause you find worthy. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain. 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga (423) 821-7551 Share your memories, stories and photos at wannfuneralhome.com.