James E. “Jim” Lee, 85, Galesburg, Illinois, died at 4:35 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois.
Jim was born August 6, 1940, in Monmouth, IL to John C. & Mary A. (Fox) Lee. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Snyder) of 57 years; children: Beth (Jason) Fajt, Ted (Jennifer), and Susan; grandchildren: Matthew (Kori) Fajt, Andrew (Sophie DiBiase) Fajt, Wyatt (Bailey) Lee, Abigail (Wiley Hart) Lee, Annalyn Lee; great granddaughter expected in the spring; sister Rose Ann Hofer; brothers-in-law John (Karren) Snyder and Bill (Terri) Snyder; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by one nephew, Ryan Snyder in 2024. He graduated from Alexis High School and Western Illinois University. He was a founding member of the Alpha Gamma Rho – Alpha Tau Chapter at WIU.
Jim led a life of service from the Army Reserves to being the Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was a devout Catholic and member of Immaculate Heart of Mary. He served on the Alexis School Board and Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation Board.
Jim had a long work history in agriculture and transportation. A farmer at heart, he worked in feed and livestock supply sales before becoming a driver (Hallcon) at the BNSF Railway Classification yard in Galesburg. Jim retired at the age of 79.
An avid sports fan, Jim enjoyed coaching his kid’s summer league teams and watching his grandchildren play sports. Jim never stopped coaching and advising about the fundamentals of the game (requested or not). Jim was a lifelong fan of the St Louis Cardinals. He loved western movies, country music, history, and traveling.
Special thanks to OSF Hospice Care especially to Amy Weathers, R.N. for her compassionate care.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass for Jim will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, American Cancer Society, or Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
