James Thomas Lee Sr.

James T. Lee was born on July 21, 1931, in Brooklyn, New York, and was educated in the NYC public schools. The youngest of seven children, five boys and two girls, he grew up in a tight-knit family. His reserved, stern, no-nonsense father’s discipline, along with his mother's loving, nurturing spirit, made him the man he was to become. As a teenager, he met Elva S. Roberson at their family church, Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn. He graduated from the New York City School system and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. James served from 1950 to 1954. As a Korean War veteran, a good portion of his military career was spent at the Royal Air Force of Burtonwood in Cheshire, England. It was there in 1952 that he married the love of his life.

Upon his discharge from the Air Force, James T. Lee returned to New York with his wife and son. He continued his career as an aircraft mechanic with Lockheed Aircraft Service at what is now JFK Airport. However, after a decade, he felt a calling to transition into the public service sector. This marked a significant shift in his career, as he joined the New York City Fire Department in April 1961. This transition not only showcased his adaptability but also his unwavering commitment to serving his community.

In November 1969, James was granted his first promotion to Lieutenant. Less than eight years later, in January 1977, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Ladder Company 142 in Queens, NY, just two miles away from his home. This assignment allowed him to walk or ride his bike to work.

In addition to serving on the New York Fire Department, James joined the Vulcan Society, Inc. FDNY. Eventually, he ran for the first elected office in the Vulcan Society. After submitting a nomination petition with 5 other members’ names, he ran successfully for Sergeant at Arms. James performed dual roles as 2nd vice president and chair of the membership committee. He also served as 1st vice-president before becoming president. President James, under his administration, implemented the “Godfather Program.” The intended goal of the program was to pair Vulcan Society-eligible probationary firefighters with Vulcan members in the officer ranks. This was the way The Vulcan Society chose to show their support for the women of color who were entering the FDNY.

James was a founding member of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the founding father of the African American Cultural Society (AACS). He also was a founding member of the Black Caucus and a volunteer of the Palm Coast Fire Police for 30 years.

James leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Elva S. Lee, and four children: James Jr. (Gloria), Karen Patricia, Joseph (Leslie), and Khary (Aricia)

Grandchildren: John Capers (Stephanie), Crystal Lee, Richard Benjamin, Rhory Benjamin (Kristen), Keenan McGruder, Joseph D. Lee (Kristy), Justin Lee (Brittani), Taahira Lee, Kharianne Lee, Karmen Lee

Great Grandchildren: Kayla Wonisch, Domonique Lee, Drevon Lee, Isabella Capers, Xavier Capers, Logan Capers, Luna Capers, Kimber Benjamin, Harper Benjamin, Leah Benjamin, Alexandra Benjamin, Brooklyn Lee, Hudson Lee, Sariyah Lee, Jehlani Laird; Great-Great Grandchild: Heaven Lee, a host of nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

With God’s love and the love and support of family and friends, our sorrow is much easier to bear.