James R. Lee Jr., 68, of Hazleton, passed away Saturday morning, 03/02/24, at the Manor at St. Luke Village, Hazleton, after battling a short illness.
Born Sept. 16, 1955, and raised in Hazleton, he was the son of the late James R. Sr. and Cecelia (DeLallo) Lee.
Jimmy was a member of the former Holy Trinity German Roman Catholic Church, Hazleton. He was a graduate of Hazleton High School and Lehigh Carbon Community College.
He was the president of George F. DeLallo Inc. and Weatherly Steel Co., where he dedicated his life since he was 16 years old.
He was a former president and member of the Mechanical & Service Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania. He employed members of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 524. He was also a member of the Paupack Hills Golf and Country Club, Hawley, and the American Legion Post 76.
Jimmy enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races, Penn State and Eagles football games and was an avid Notre Dame fan. One of his greatest joys was spending weekends and holidays at his vacation home at Lake Wallenpaupack. He not only welcomed his immediate family there, but opened the Lake House doors to many friends who became family. The memories made there will be treasured forever.
Jimmy was a devoted father and friend. His children and grandchildren were the highlight of his life. His grandchildren's laughter and love always put a smile on his face. In return, his constant sense of humor always kept us laughing. One of his proudest moments was watching his son, Michael, following in his footsteps, pursuing his own business venture, where Jimmy was currently employed at Lee Industrial Services.
If anyone became a friend with Jimmy, they knew they had a friend for life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George R. Lee.
Jimmy leaves behind his loving and devoted children, James R. Lee III, Kelayres; Michael F. Lee and his wife, Jessica, McAdoo; Rachelle Mallets and her husband, Matthew, McAdoo; treasured grandchildren with whom he was affectionately known as "Poppy Lee," Michael and Isabella Lee, Gracelyn Lee, Myla, Analee and Kylie Mallets; numerous nieces and nephews; many life-long friends; and former wife, Michelle Lee.
The family thanks the entire staff at St. Luke Village for their compassion, kindness and diligence.
Donations in memory of Jimmy may be made to the Hazleton Animal Shelter or the charity of your choice.
A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday in Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church, Hazleton. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church.
Inurnment will be in Holy Trinity German Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hazleton.
Arrangements are under the direction of John J. Pusti Funeral Home Inc., 480 W. Broad St., Hazleton.
To send condolences, visit www.pustifuneral.com.
Published by Standard-Speaker on Mar. 4, 2024.
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