Lee Charles James

Lee Charles James, age 85, of Menahga, MN passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 in Detroit Lakes under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Lee was born May 1, 1936 to Charles and Irma (Bickford) James in Wadena County Minnesota. He attended school in District 32 and graduated from Sebeka High, class of 1954. He worked on family farms including a farm in North Dakota. Lee then went to work for the Minnesota Highway Department before going into the US Army. After discharge, he went to work for Sarkela Trucking, then Northern Fabricators in Staples and later on at Pickar Excavating and Central Turf. Lee retired in 2003. Lee married the love of his life Shirley Kuha after meeting her on a date arranged by her father. They lived happily in their home in Meadow Township and cared for one another until her death in 2013. Lee enjoyed creating wood projects for Shirley to paint which they enjoyed giving for gifts. He also enjoyed gun collecting, but most of all he enjoyed visiting with his numerous friends and family. In fact, Lee was quite the social butterfly. He could strike up and carry on a conversation with anyone who had ears! Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be missed so very much. Preceding him in death were his wife Shirley, his parents, sister Charlotte and brother in-law Harvey Niska, and one infant great grandson Cooper Kolbe. Lee is survived by his children Renee Evenson, Michael Hotchkiss, Julie (Brian)Johnson all of Detroit Lakes, nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and two nieces. Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, August 15, 2021 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Wevley Funeral Home.