James Elmore Lee, Jr.

James (Jimmy)Elmore Lee, Jr., 103, formerly of Concord, NC passed away peacefully at his residence on October 14, 2023 .

He was born September 9, 1920 to the late James Elmore Lee, Sr. and Kate King Lee. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Nora Mae “Jack” Faggart, a brother Lewis Monroe Lee and a sister Aileen Goldston.

He is survived by his daughter June Lee Gamble (Charles) of Land o Lakes, FL, 3 grandchildren Lisa Karolewski (Wayne) of Land o Lakes, FL, Jeff Gamble (Teresa) of Hickory NC and Michael Gamble of Jerome AZ. He has 2 great-grandchildren Chelsea Skillman of Dade City, FL and Max Gamble of Columbus, OH and 3 great-great-grandsons Parker, Tripp and Colson.

He also has a very special nephew David Lee of Indian Trail, NC and 2 special nieces Judy Goldston and Becky Sloop of Cabarrus County.

Jimmy retired from Concord’s Fire Dept. Station #1 as Assistant Chief after 33 years of service. At the age of 103 he was proud to hold the honor of the oldest living retired fireman in the state of NC. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge #16, a lifetime member of the NC State Firemen’s Association, a lifetime member of the NC Fire Chief Association and a former member of Masonic Lodge #720. Jimmy also attended a number of fire schools throughout North Carolina. He enjoyed talking with other firemen and attending their retirement parties.

Jimmy started playing his guitar in his early teens and played in several bands over the next 75 years, from the dance hall at the Woodmen’s Lodge to nursing homes around Concord.

After moving to Florida to spend more time with his family Jimmy was entertained by his great-great-grandsons, even trying to teach them how to play the guitar.

He was well loved at his assisted living facility by both staff and residents. He always portrayed a happy personality and never missed the chance to humor everyone. He will be deeply missed by all.

The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home in Concord on Saturday, October 21 from 6-8pm. Services will be held Sunday at 3pm at Forest Hill UMC and burial at Oakwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to his favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.