Jack Eugene Lee

Jack Eugene Lee, born Feb. 19, 1943, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, surrounded by family at his home he designed and built in Lanexa, Virginia.

Jack was a retired Senior Chief, husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, builder, and hero upon his passing. He grew up in the small town of Auburn, Nebraska after moving from his birthplace of Cando, North Dakota as a child.

Of the many different jobs he had growing up, carpentry and building led Jack to enlist in the United States Navy as a Seabee (construction battalion) in 1968, just before the United States’ peak involvement in the Vietnam Conflict. A few years after his three tours in Vietnam, Jack moved on to work in the State Department stationed in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) and met a beautiful young Canadian nurse named Marnie. Love blossomed, and after some long-distance courting, they were married on Mar. 20, 1976 in Selkirk, Manitoba. Jack and Marnie lived in Manila, Philippines for a few years at the beginning of their marriage and later, Jack was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Jack retired from his 20-year career in the United States Navy and began building his house in New Kent. He continued his love for carpentry and building, making beautiful furniture, cabinets, decks, and houses.

Jack was also a lover of all things outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He will forever be remembered by countless friends, children and members of the community for his unparalleled selfless contribution of volunteer service spanning 20 years to the DGIF Hunter Education Program, the Four Rivers 4-H shooting club, the New Kent County Extension Office, and the James City County Fishing Camp. He always gave 100 percent and left a legacy that will be remembered and felt for generations.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Madlean Lee; father, James Lee; younger brothers, Jimmy Lee and Jerry “Pete” Lee; and younger sister, Vickie Corlby.

He is survived by his loving wife Marnie; daughter, Sandra ‘Sandy’ Shaffar (Paul); son, Aaron Lee (Jennifer); grandchildren, Jack Shaffar, Taylor Shaffar, Hunter Lee, and Ruby Lee; and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m. at Vincent Funeral Home, 9923 Providence Forge, Virginia 23140. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Four Rivers 4-H Shooting Club and/or Amedisys Hospice Care.