Jack Winston Lee, a retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Air Force, passed away on November 7, 2025, at Namaste, Williamsburg Landing in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was 83 years old. Born on October 29, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas, Lee spent his early years in Clovis, New Mexico, where he nurtured a lifelong ambition to serve in the military.
After graduating from Clovis High School, Lee pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from New Mexico State University and a Master of Business Administration from Baltimore University. He joined the United States Air Force in 1966, commencing a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades. His initial assignment took him to Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts, followed by postings in Wakkanai, Japan, Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, Shu Lin Kou USAFSS in Taiwan, and Ramasun Station in Thailand. He concluded his service at Fort Meade, Maryland, before retiring in 1988 as the Joint Signals Intelligence Officer at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Following his military career, Lee transitioned to the private sector, working for E-Systems in Northern Virginia for eight years. He later moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he joined Truist Bank and continued to be an active member of his community for the past 25 years.
Lee’s commitment to service extended beyond his military duties. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, representing the Williamsburg Chapter. His ancestry traces back to John Lee, a notable figure from 1703, which solidified his membership. In addition, he served as treasurer and chaplain for the organization.
His passion for history and performance art was evident in his involvement with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. For 11 years, Lee participated as one of the costumed 18th-century dancers at both the Palace and the Capitol. He was also a member of the Heritage Dance Group, showcasing his dedication to preserving cultural traditions.
Lee is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Snyder Lee, as well as his faithful service dog, Duncan. He leaves behind a cherished extended family, including Sheri Lynn and her brother, Lloyd Alan Trueblood, Ph.D., from Crestline, California, and Callie Hawkins-Hobbie, President and CEO of President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C., along with Mike Zidanic, RN, and Michelle Zidanic, RN, from Ocean Pines, Maryland.
A private memorial service will be announced in due course. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to President Lincoln Cottage, located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
As Lee’s family reflects on his life, they remember him with the words:
“Sunshine passes, Shadows fall, But love and remembrance, Outlast all.”
