James T. Lee

SAN BENITO—James Lee of San Benito passed away on Friday, November 13, 2015, in Brownsville. He was born on August 28, 1926, in Harlingen Valley Baptist Hospital. He attended elementary school in San Benito and Mercedes, then returned to San Benito to attend San Benito Jr. High and High School, where he graduated in 1944. He was active in scouting, receiving his Eagle Scout badge, served as El Sendero photographer, member of Quill & Scroll, National Honor Society and the Journalism Class.
After graduation in 1944 he entered the Navy and served in the South Pacific for two years. When discharged after his tour of duty he remained on the West Coast working as the official ship’s photographer on the Matson Cruise Ship Line for several years.
He came back to San Benito and enrolled in the University of Colorado in Boulder. He stayed there for two years and returned again to San Benito working in the office of Harlingen Canning Company. A teaching job was his ambition and he started studying for his BA degree while working. He attended Pan American and received his degree in 1965. After receiving his BA he started working as a biology teacher at the Weslaco High School and continued studying at A&I in Kingsville at night for his Masters in Science which he received in 1971. He worked as a high school biology teacher in Rio Hondo, Port Isabel, and closed out his teaching at San Benito High School in 1989 due to poor health. Jim was an active member of TSTA organization for many years during his teaching career and was elected the President of the local chapter; also received a Lifetime Membership in 1968.
Many of Jim’s interests were photography, crossword puzzles, jig saw puzzles (more tiny pieces the better), swimming, traveling all over the map; Europe, Mexico, USA, and he loved the beach.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Yuma Lee.
He is survived by one sister, Margo Rustad; two nephews, Mike (Robin) Rustad and Ronald (Carrie) Rustad; one niece, Suzanne (Tom) Celentano; two great nieces, Laura (John) Wiseman and Alyssa (Charlie) Waters; two great-great nieces, Elizabeth and Ashlyn Wiseman; and many cousins.
The family wants to thank the staff of Twinbrooke South in San Benito for caring for Jim with such tender, loving care the eleven years that he was a patient there. Rancho El Eden in Olmito also was Jim’s home for several years and they too were compassionate and caring. Jim’s remaining years were spent in the loving home of Mary Alice Zamudio of Brownsville. Her entire family made him a part of their family. They could not have been more caring, loving, patient, and supportive for him and the family. Thank you all.
There will not be a public service, only private family service. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or First Presbyterian Church, San Benito or Alzheimer’s Organization.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home 1002 E. Harrison Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550 (956) 364-2444. Please sign our online guest book or leave a message of condolence to the Lee Family at www.trinityfunerals.com.