MINNEOLA – James Elmer Lee, 96, died Thursday, June 16, 2016 at the Kansas Soldiers Home, Ft. Dodge, Kansas.

He was born March 16, 1920 in Great Bend and spent most of his childhood in Fowler and his adult life in Hutchinson and Minneola.

Jim served in the 34th and 31st Divisions of the Sea Bees during World War II, and was stationed on the island of Tinian in the South Pacific as well as Japan. A business man, Jim owned the Maytag store in Hutchinson and Lee's Department Store in Minneola.

He was married to Rose Olivia Burgin for nearly 75 years. She passed away on June 18, 2014.

Jim is survived by sons, Jim and wife Beverly, Cape Fair, Missouri and Don, Pine, Arizona; a daughter, Janice Smith and husband Jim, Evergreen, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 10:00 am Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Minneola United Methodist Church with Pastor Suzie Woods officiating. Burial will follow in the Appleton Township Cemetery, Minneola with full military honors. There will be no public viewing, cremation has taken place.

The family suggests memorials to the Minneola United Methodist Church in care of Minnis Mortuary, P.O. Box 459, Minneola, Kansas 67865.