Lee James, 72, a former resident of Belton, Tex., and employee of the Killeen Daily Herald, died after a lengthy battle with cancer, July 14, 2016, in Sun City, Fla., surrounded by family.
Mr. James was born in Oakland, Cal., but raised in Miles City, Mont., where his parents, Elmo and Estelle James, moved after Elmo’s stint in the Navy.
James’s 45-year career as a journalist began at the Miles City Star. Over those years, he wore many journalistic hats including, reporter/photographer, editor, managing editor, publisher, deputy managing editor and finally “consultant.”
He worked for the Killeen Daily Herald for 22 years with a two-year interruption to help begin a newspaper in Santa Fe, N. Mex.
James was an avid sports fan, particularly football. He loved college sports and never missed watching the Little League World series every year. Golf was the sport he loved to play.
He is a 1962 graduate of Custer County High School.
James is predeceased by his parents, a sister Judy Beehler, brother Timothy James and niece, Kathy Beehler-Goodson, all of Miles City, Mont.
Mr. James is survived by his spouse, Loretta, a sister, Betty and her husband Derwin DeRoche of Forsyth, Mont., a son, Todd A. James, Ft. Wayne, Ind., daughter, Jennifer Telscher and son-in-law Hans Telscher of Arnold, Md., step-daughters Stacey McCormick of Idaho Falls, Ida., Leslie Price of Blaine, Min., Jeanette Soberanes and husband Mario Soberanes of Killeen, Tex., and Carri Talford and husband Andrew Talford of Riverview, Fla., as well as many nieces and nephews. He has six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Lee served as a Navy/Marine corpsman in the Vietnam War until the time he was wounded, from January 1966 to December 20, 1968.
The funeral service is to be graveside only with military honors, cremains interred in the Veteran’s Cemetery, Miles City, Mont., Aug. 5, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Miles City V.F. W.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. He is no longer in pain and is in perfect peace.
No flowers, please and memorials donate to Wounded Warriors.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Friday August 5, 2016
Eastern Montana Veteran Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Friday August 5, 2016
Eastern Montana Veteran Cemetery
Miles City, MT 59301
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Renée Peterson says
I am so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Betty, I have memories of when we were kids growing up as neighbors. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will not be able to attend the services.
May God bless you and your family.
Renée
Ann Woodward Kapernick says
I graduated with Lee from CCHS in ’62. He was one of my favorite classmates – just a really nice guy. It didn’the surprise me at all to see what a successful life he had. I truly am sorry for his family’s and friends’ loss.
Donna Johnson Tebeau says
My thooughts and prayers for healing and peace go out to the James family. Betty, I am so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing.. Hopefully your good memories of all your siblings will bring you comfort.
Prayers to all for healing.
Donna
Samantha Rodell - Perkins says
My thoughts to the family. I met Lee probably when I was younger, but remember him at Judy’s funeral. Kiss Judy and Kathy in Heaven for me Lee.
Christy Durham says
So sorry for your loss. Retta, I know exactly how you are feeling and I am praying for you. Just know that my family loves you all and is hurting along with you.