Tribute & Message From The Family
Lees, James Joseph, 74, of Margate, NJ passed away on March 13, 2018 at home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness. Born in Atlantic City on February 24, 1944 to David and Peggy (nee McDevitt) Lees, Jim attended Atlantic City Friends School and Pennsylvania Military College where he received a BA in Political Science and a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1966.
After finishing his education, Jim was commissioned in the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. Jim began his civilian career with Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, MD as an engineer in the ship building division. In 1970, he returned to Margate and began a 25 year career at Atlantic City Electric Company where he retired as Vice-President of marketing and rates. After a brief retirement, Jim began a second career by purchasing Kisby Shore Corporation where he later partnered with his son as owners.
Jim was an active member of the community serving on many boards including the Bacharach Hospital Foundation as President, President and Board Member of the Miss America Organization, Director of the Atlantic City Sewerage Company, Board Member of the Atlantic Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.
Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years Patricia (nee Scioli) and his twin children James Jr. of Longport, NJ and Jennifer Panico (John) of Huntsville, AL. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren, Haley and Logan Lees and Isabella Panico, and his beloved cat Spooky. Jim was an aficionado of European sports cars. He enjoyed traveling the world over and most of all spending time with his family and grandchildren.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on March 20th 2018 at Holy Trinity Parish, Blessed Sacrament Church at Jerome and Ventnor Avenues in Margate, NJ.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Patti and Family,
Our most sincere sympathy on the passing of James.
Dominick Potena and Family
Posted by
Dominick Potena - Margate City, NJ - Friend March 21, 2018
Dear Patti and Lees Family: I was saddened to hear of the loss of Jim. He was such a pleasure to work with and a truly great man. He was one of a kind. I have fond memories of working with Jim not only at ACE, but on the Miss America Parade. We shared a love of cars too. Although I was not able to be there today for the celebration of Jim's life, I was thinking of your family and hope you find comfort in your memories.
Posted by
Rita Weeks - Pinehurst, NC - Coworker March 20, 2018
Lees Family-
So sorry to hear of our Dad's passing. May all your fond memories comfort you at this most difficult time.
Our thought and prayers are with you.
Posted by
Nick and Paula Guarracino - Ventnor City, NJ - Friend March 20, 2018
Patty, we are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Fond memories of Miss America Days. May you and your children find comfort in God.
Posted by
Judith Haverstick (Morris) - Abingdon, MD - Acquaintance March 20, 2018
Rest in peace. Thanks for all your public service.
Posted by
Paul Fiedler - Egg Harbor Township, NJ - Friend March 20, 2018
Lees Family: I am very sorry to read of Jim's passing. I will always remember him as a great boss and teacher. I still love to relate the crazy stories about our work on the ACE rate cases and the Miss America Parade. I owe Jim a personal debt of gratitude for re-connecting me with the Boy Scouts of America back in 1986. God bless you all.
Posted by
Charlie Morgan - Absecon, NJ - Coworker March 20, 2018
To the Lees family , the Chris Weaver family sends their condolences, sympathy and prayers. His life's deeds are a testament to his family, friends and community.
Posted by
Carol Weaver - Margate, NJ - Acquaintance March 20, 2018
McPeak
Posted by
Victoria McPeak - Little Silver, NJ March 20, 2018
Our deepest and sincere sympathy to all! Jimmy left quite a legacy and will be sorely missed. With love and sympathy,
Posted by
Steve and Judy Levin - Huntingdon Valley, PA - Family Friend March 19, 2018
Lees Family,
Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Another Margate icon gone; hope the memories guide you through this difficult time.
Condolences Gerri & Carl Smallwood
Posted by
Carl Smallwood - Margate, NJ - Friend March 19, 2018
Patti; May God give you strength during this very sad time. If I can be of any assistance please let me know. Jim was not only a Friend, but a roommate, a great person to be around and to enjoy a laugh, a funny story, or just spend time with. My Classmate and Brother forever! His kind heart and love for everyone he met and touched was a lasting memory for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The Greeks say if you speak someone's name, even though they are gone, they live forever. Although his smile is gone forever, and his hand I cannot touch, still I have his memories deep within myself. His memory is my keepsake with which I will have in my heart. God has him in his keeping, until we meet again on the other side! Jim may your memory live forever, I will miss you. Your partner in crime, and your roommates forever. With a great deal of love, Ed Farrell, Jr.
Posted by
Edward F. Farrell, Jr. - Berlin, NJ - Classmate March 18, 2018
Patti and family, Maryanne and I are so very sad to hear about Jim! Jim was a very, very good person and a terrific person to work for and with - I learned so much from him. He was fair to me and my family during those long rate cases! Unfortunately Maryanne and I cannot make the services. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers - please take care of yourself, Tom Langley
Posted by
Tom Langley - Bear, DE - Coworker March 18, 2018
Patti, we were so shocked to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will be attending the funeral Tuesday. Ron and Nancy Smith, Lewes, DE
Posted by
Nancy Smith - Lewes, DE - Family March 18, 2018
I was saddened to read of Jim's passing this morning. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. May he now rest comfortably in the loving arms of our Lord.
Posted by
Steve Schwartz - Margate City, NJ - friend March 18, 2018
I enjoyed the time I spend with Jim in business and as a friend. Our long lunches were always "educational"!
He had a wonderful sense of humor! I am sorry for his family's loss. He will be missed.
Posted by
John Skoglund - Tequesta, FL - Family Friend March 18, 2018
Patti and family: We are so sorry for you loss. We hope memories will give you peace. Augustine and Mary Repetto
Posted by
Mary Repetto - Margate, NJ - Friend March 18, 2018
Rest in peace my friend and classmate. We first met in the infirmary at PMC over 55 years ago. We celebrated many good times at PMC, the Army stationed together at Fort Monmouth, ski trips with Patty and Lynn, and visits to your parents' home. You were always a class act. We created many memories throughout the years. I will always remember you. Patty will keep a special place in her heart for you. I know that she has solace for all your kindness and devotion. You passed too young.
Jeffrey Travers, Glastonbury
Posted by
Jeffrey Travers - Glastonbury, CT - Classmate March 18, 2018
May your soul rest in peace. Your tenacity and love of family and friends will always be remembered. A special classmate at PMC you will always be in my memories.
Posted by
Ted Zak - Dover, DE - Classmate March 17, 2018