James Edwin Lee

James Edwin Lee, 71, passed away peacefully at home in Idaho Falls on September 27, 2024. His family and his beloved cat, Gilly, were at his side. His death came after a year-long battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Jim was born March 18, 1953, to Harold and Jane Lee in Kansas City, Kansas. The family moved several times with his father’s job, eventually landing in Idaho Falls, Idaho when Jim started high school. He attended Skyline High School, graduating in 1971. He earned an associate degree from Idaho State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho.

He met Kathleen (Kathy) Ilk at Idaho State University, and they married on August 16, 1975. They were happily married for 49 years. Together they raised two children, Carl and Tracy.

Jim was a highly regarded engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory for 42 years. He was known for his innovative solutions to complex problems and was still getting questions after his retirement in March 2019.

Jim was an avid whitewater rafter and floated most of the major rivers in the West, including three times down the Grand Canyon. He passed his love of rafting to his two children, but his wife was always a reluctant passenger.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Carl (Mackenzie) Lee of Boise, Idaho; daughter, Tracy Lee of Boise; granddaughter, Rita Lee; and brother, Robert Lee of Renton, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Terri Anderson; and infant son, Eric Lee.

The family will host a celebration of life in the near future; details will follow.

The family wishes to thank the providers and staff of Teton Cancer Institute for their compassionate care and Hospice of Eastern Idaho for their assistance in Jim’s final days.

Services are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuay.com.