Jason T. Lee
Corporal, United States Army
June 18, 1981 – November 18, 2007
Age – 26
Fruitport, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, WA
Died when an improvised explosive device detonated during a mounted patrol in Baqubah, Iraq
CPL Jason T. Lee was born June 18m 1981 in Walnut Creek, CA to Thomas M. and Susan L. (Livingston) Lee and had lived in the Fruitport area since age 11. He attended Fruitport High School and was proud to have eared his GED at M-TEC.
Jason Lee attended high school in Fruitport for two years in the late 1990’s. But Tuesday, some teachers say they still have vivid memories of him as a teenager.
Jason T. Lee entered the military in May 2004, intending to join an airborne unit. He transferred to the infantry after he was injured, his father said.
I said, ‘I don’t have a problem with you joining the military, Thomas Lee said. But why the airborne, the infantry? He said: ‘I am big. I am strong. It’s my calling, Dad. If it’s not me, who else is it going to be?’ Jason told his dad that he believed the US. Military was succeeding in its mission in Iraq.
He was a good guy. One of a kind. The best there is, said his brother Ryan.
Lee was known to march to his own drummer. He was very much a free spirit, said Kerri Jacobs, who taught him Spanish. He was always carrying a guitar. The kids really liked him – he got along with everyone. Kim Smith remembered that Lee took a class in social responsibility from her in the spring of 1998. He was a very, very bright young man, Smith said. He was not afraid to speak his mind, but he was very kind.
His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
He was remembered by friends and soldiers as follows:
January 24, 2014
I was one of the medics who worked on CPL Lee at Warhorse. I remember it like it was yesterday. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him. To his family and friends, I send my love and blessings.
Andrea
November 28, 200
7I can say that I was lucky enough to know Cpl. Jason T. Lee… he was a dear friend and I will always remember the many memories that we created growing up. He never backed down from what he believed in and was always ready to jump into something that he was passionate about and cared deeply for. I will never forget his will and ambition to always try the hardest at everything he did. He was a man that was not afraid, a friend that always cared, a brother, son and husband that was there for his family… and now in our hearts forever as he sacrificed his life for the rest of us. God bless him and everyone that he touched. I will never forget him…but I will miss him everyday.
He taught me how to play the guitar, we shared our poetry together, he made the best mac and cheese you could ever have tasted, he always made you laugh- even when you were mad at him, his laugh will be with me forever, and my mind with his family forever.
Hey Jay- what do you call a fish without and i? love you man
Brianne Umphrey
November 29, 2007
I just wanted to say how proud I am of Cpl.Jason Lee. Not only for the sacrifice he made for our country, but that J found his niche. I was lucky enough to have many great memories of Jason. Of course my memories are of the free spirit with long gorgeous hair and a great smile. He could always make me laugh or if I was upset help me find the humor in the situation. I can honestly say that having Jason as a friend had a very positive impact on my life. I just want to send my deepest sympathy to Jason’s family. I will miss ya and luv ya J!!
Samantha Powers