James Irvin Lee

James Irvin Lee, 41, passed away in his home in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

In life, James blessed the world through creativity. He displayed natural artistic ability from an early age and honed his skills throughout his life. Several of his paintings were included in galleries for art shows. Although his art was largely a means of personal expression, he also used his talents to advocate for change in the community.

James was a musician. He took piano lessons as a child and started playing guitar as a teenager. He loved the guitar and spent many hours playing it and writing songs. He produced two albums with his band Existo, and many other songs on his own. In recent years he also learned to play drums and the bass guitar and to record and mix his own music. A slideshow featuring James’s original music and artwork can be found here.

James was a craftsman. He worked for years as a sheet metal worker and steadily progressed through the ranks of his profession. Through his trade, James contributed to the beauty and quality of many buildings. One highlight was his involvement in the construction of the CityCenter complex in Las Vegas. He took great pride in his work and loved to point out buildings he worked on.

Most importantly, James loved. He is survived by his parents, Irvin and Donna Lee; his three younger brothers, Chad, Austin, and Jesse; sisters-in-law Sara and Leslie; nieces and nephews Clara, Henry, Sadie, Nathan, Peter, and Florence; his partner Cassandra and her son Lincoln; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who love him and miss him dearly.

James lived a life of compassion and was especially mindful of those experiencing homelessness. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch, or an organization  providing services to those experiencing homelessness near you.

Memorial services will be held Monday, February 20, 2023, 9:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 5750 North Cimarron Road, Las Vegas, Nevada.