James Adam Lee

James “Jim, Jimmy” Adam Lee was born on August 8, 1936, in Searcy, Arkansas to Ethel Miller and Mack Lee. He and his older brother, Wade, moved to Detroit, Michigan area when Jim was about 6. Jim graduated from Chadsey High School in 1954 and attended Lawrence Technological University. He began his career as a driver for Nabisco. Jim was known for his deliveries of day old baked goods to people who were down on their luck. After leaving Nabisco, James began making custom automotive seat covers. His expertise got him hired into General Motors as the 2nd Black person in the Buick/Cadillac Design Studio. James retired in 1995, with the distinction of being the 1st Black person to be promoted to a management position in his General Motors Design Studio. He continued his love for cars and went to the Detroit Auto Show every year, where he always made sure to sit in every single vehicle. James married Eloise Maxine Cochran in 1955. To this 18-year union, 4 sons were born. James married Faustine Brown. He had 2 bonus children from this marriage which lasted a few years. In 1999, he met Virginia “Ginger” Berry. They were married less than 12 weeks later. Through this union he gained 3 “bonus” children. Ginger and Jim were married almost 26 years at the time of his death. Jim loved going to movies. Pre-pandemic he would go at least once a week. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing and bowling. He was one of the lucky few (or shall we say “skilled enough”) to achieve an elusive “300” point game. Jim began attending Kensington Community Church in Troy, Michigan in 2005. He was delighted when they opened a closer location in Beverly Hills, Michigan. Because of his infectious smile and great handshake, he was asked to be an usher/greeter! A position he accepted and faithfully served in for a long time! Jim could often be found supporting his home team, the Detroit Lions. He and his son, Tim, were season ticket holders for many years. They enjoyed going to the games together at both the Silverdome and Ford field. Jim delighted in the lives of all of his children; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved their visits, phone calls, going to see them in plays, concerts, sporting events, and many other activities! James Adam Lee departed this life on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, after a long journey with Parkinson’s Disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Walls and Mack Lee, brother, Wade Lee, and his son, Kevin Earl Lee. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Virginia Berry-Lee, Sons; Wyatt (Loretta) Lee, Alex (Soraida) Lee, Timothy (Regina) Lee, John Berry IV and Lindley (Shantell) Berry, daughter; Pamela (Lyndon) Williams, his grandchildren, Venessa (Larry) Edwards, Alex Lee, Jr., Dejohn (Deresha), John Berry V, Nicholas Lee, Brianna Williams, Kevin Lee, River Williams, Carver Berry, Leo Williams, Ellis Berry, and Mylinn Berry; great-grandchildren: Celena, Mariah, Larell, Jaya, Velencia, Victoria, Deaira, Dejohn, Jr., and Dashawn; and special friends – Curtis and Dianna Bryant, Dexter and Dana Gatson, LeeRoy and Carleen Brookins, Chuck and Dorothy Mitchell, Sym Henderson and a host of other relatives and friends.

James Adam Lee

August 8, 1936 - October 22, 2025