Jack Lee '49 May 9, 2023 4:08 PM updated: May 9, 2023 4:16 PM
Jack K. (JK) Lee
November 21, 1925 - April 20, 2023
Jack K. (JK) Lee was born on November 21, 1925, to his parents Eddie and Lola Lee in Houston, Texas. JK passed away at home on April 20, 2023 with family, caregivers, and a nurse at his bedside. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Shortly after high school graduation in Harlingen, Texas, JK joined the United States Marine Corps to do his part in the war effort. He was 17 years old, therefore it was necessary for his mother to sign for him to join. He served in the Pacific Tour of Operations. When the war ended, JK returned to Houston where he would renew friendships with childhood acquaintances. It was there at the wedding of a friend when he met the most beautiful red head he had ever seen. This young red head was Billie Ann Thorp who was also in the wedding. He muscled a friend into letting him walk out with the red head at the end of the wedding. A short time later a romance emerged and became a romance like few others. Billie and Jack soon wed. This was a marriage lasting a little over 75 years. This long-lasting marriage brought three children into the world: Michele, Michael, and Skipper. He also has seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
JK was a Marine’s Marine, an Aggie’s Aggie, and a Man’s Man.
JK is preceded death by his parents, Eddie and Lola Lee.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Billie; daughter, Michele Stafford (Bob); son, Michael (Jill) and son, Skipper (Annette); grandchildren are, Robby Stafford (Tara), Rani Bivens (Paul), Chase Lee (Lauren), Cullen Lee, Tyler Lee (Leigh Ann), Angela Connor (Josh), Valerie Holland (Ross); great-grandchildren, Austin and Georgia Stafford; Bailey, Sonny, and Sammy Bivens; Hudson and Preslyn Lee; Sydney, Paige, and Keaton Lee; Jules and Josey Connor; and Gus Holland.
JK’s cremation was handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Serving as honorary pallbearers: Robby Stafford, Chase Lee, Cullen Lee, Tyler Lee, Paul Bivens, Josh Connor, and Ross Holland.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donate blood to LifeShare Blood Center of Beaumont, 4305 Laurel Avenue, Beaumont, and make monetary donations to the Southeast Texas A&M Foundation, P. O. Box 22902, Beaumont, Texas 77720-2902.