James W. "J.W." Lee Sr., aged 85, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2025, at his home in Calhoun, TN. Born on November 29, 1939, in Servilla, TN, he was the beloved son of Rev. William Lafayette "Bill" and Martha Donnie Forrester Lee. J.W. was the youngest of ten children and often joked that his parents stopped having children once they got it right.

J.W. graduated from Polk County High School in 1958 and married Patsy Elaine Wiley in May 1960. Together, they built a life in Calhoun, where J.W. worked at Bowater Newsprint. He was deeply involved in his community, co-founding the first Calhoun Public Library and serving as Chief of Police and Fire Chief. He was also active in the Meadowlands Association and various community projects, including the Arts & Crafts Festival.

A devout member of Calhoun's First Baptist Church, J.W. took pride in serving in the sound room during services. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, The Eastern Star, and a cast member for the Gem Players in Etowah. J.W. cherished family trips and vacations, often filled with pranks and laughter. He was an avid gardener and loved supporting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

J.W. was predeceased by his parents, his wife Patsy, and all of his siblings. He is survived by his children, James Lee Jr. (Kelley), Jamie Cline (Derek), and Jennifer Crumley (DeVance); grandchildren, Travis (Laura) Lee, Faith (Chuck) Burke, Hunter (Emily) Cline, McKenzie Crumley, Aubrey Lee, Trey (Becca) Starkes, and Isaiah Starkes; great-grandchildren, Scarlett Lee, Isabelle Cline, Carter Burke, and Bentley Starkes; sisters-in-law, Lucille Cavin and Josephine Wall; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Calhoun, with Pastor Nathan Melton and Pastor Kevin Cheatham officiating. A graveside committal service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Calhoun Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the church.