James “Jim” Lynn Lee passed away peacefully in his home Friday, Jan. 30, 2025, surrounded by his wife of 71 years, his children and grandchildren.
Jim was born May 11, 1931, in the small town of Gore/Webber Falls, Oklahoma, on his family’s tribal land. He was the second son of seven siblings born to Lila Mae Yahola and Spy Jim Lee.
Jim lived a long, colorful life. He was educated in Native American boarding schools from the age of 13 until graduating from Haskell Institute 1949. After graduating, he enlisted into the naval armed services and fought during the Korean War.
In 1953, while stationed at Bethesda, he met and married a beautiful nursing student from Crossville, Tennessee, Nita Allene Tabor, on May 15, 1953. Jim went back to sea and Allene finished her nursing degree. Jim fell in love with the Pacific Northwest during his time in the Navy. He and Allene became Washington residents once he finished his tour of duty. Jim was accepted to the University of Washington Dental School while Allene worked as a nurse. Jim graduated in 1962 with his doctorate in general dentistry. Shortly after graduation, he and Allene moved to Chehalis where they raised their five children and opened his dental practice. He retired in 2003 at the age of 72.
Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Allene Lee; sister, Joan Weaver; and children, Steve Lee, Laura Lee, Paula Possanza, Julie Chavez and Doug Lee.
He has 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
There will be a private memorial at a later date for family and friends.
