James Carroll Lee

Reverend James Carroll Lee departed his earthly life on April 7, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. James was born in Harnett County, North Carolina on August 24, 1943, to Maxine Horton and James Howard Lee. His father James was killed in action during WWII and his mother later remarried Evitt Barefoot who raised him. He grew up a self-described “country” boy, spending his childhood working in fields and helping on his parents’ farm. His best memories were spent on his Granddaddy and Grandma Lees’ farm walking along the creeks, climbing trees, and eating his grandmother’s heavenly buttermilk biscuits. Jim graduated Salutatorian from Coats High School in 1961 and began his college career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a result, Jim became and will forever be a Tarheel. After his first year Jim decided to take a break from school and serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. He was stationed in London, England which is where he met the love of his life, Sharon Pittman, a farmer’s daughter from Oneco, Florida. They married in England and served as medics until completing their service. The newlyweds returned to NC to attain their degrees and begin their family. James went back to school and completed his undergraduate degree at Campbell College. During that time, he became filled with the holy spirit and professed his faith in God and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. He started attending Benson United Methodist church and soon began feeling a powerful calling to the ministry. Jim was in his final semester in graduate school at East Carolina University when he could no longer ignore this pastoral summons. As a result, he enrolled at Duke University and received his Master of Divinity in 1974. When asked about his calling he wrote, “I am thankful for God’s calling to me to be a United Methodist pastor. In helping others to understand and claim God’s salvation through Christ, I experienced reconciliation myself.” Jim served the NC Methodist Conference faithfully for 34 years. His churches include: Mount Tirzah, Helena, St. James, St. Luke, Millbrook, Pine Valley, and Highland. He also served as District Superintendent in the Goldsboro District. Jim Loved being a minister. He delighted in visiting church members and serving them in whatever capacity was needed. Jim wrote, “Some of the best people we’ve ever known are members of the churches we have served and some of the most rewarding times of our lives have occurred through our connections with our brothers and sisters on the pews.” During this time Jim and Sharon were blessed with three daughters, Callie, Mandy, and Rebekah. They were very much raised as P.K.s(Preacher’s Kids) and can attest to their family’s close bond with the church and its members. The man, the myth the legend that is Jim Lee will continue in our hearts and memories. His “chicken” legs carried Jim on his daily runs including 4 marathons, 3 of which he ran with his oldest daughter Callie. His prowess on the dance floor of receptions at the many weddings he conducted will never be rivaled. “Dancing with the Stars” had nothing on Jim Lee. His moto of “dessert first” was always on display at the many church covered dishes. Unsuspecting church members were always astonished at the pile of desserts on his plate balancing precariously as he circulated around the room to greet every person. Jim will also be remembered by his congregation for his ability to turn personalized license plates into sermons and driving the church bus as if employed by NASCAR. Finally, the story of Jim Lee cannot conclude without mentioning his “greatest sources of joy”, his grandchildren, Amanda, Ashlyn, Carson, and Davis. He said, “I have laughed and loved much more freely during the time the “grands” have been with us. My biggest regret will be that I did not have as much time to see them grow up as I would have liked.” Jim will be missed deeply by his family and friends, but they are assured that he is now whole in body and spirit in the loving arms of God. “Beloved, let us love one another because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” John 4:7. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Mandy Lee in 1999. Jim is survived by his love wife of 54 years Sharon, Daughter Callie (Brian) Grandchildren Amanda, Ashlyn, Carson, and Davis. Daughter Rebekah McHorney (Wayne). Brothers Ray Lee (Jean), Ronald Barefoot (Ethel), Bruce Barefoot (Debbie), and sister Barbara Robbins (Buddy). He is also survived by many special sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and aunts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NC Conference United Methodist Volunteers in mission. Checks may be made out to UMVIM NCC. Memo line: Lee Scholarship and mailed to 226 George Wilton Dr Clayton, NC 27520. Other missions dear to Jim were UMCOR Global Ministries(umcmission.org) and Family Promise( familypromisewakenc.org ) A service of celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Friday, May 6 at 11:00 am at Highland United Methodist church with a luncheon to follow at Bradley Hall. 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh.