James Lee, 1946–2025, “had a gift for turning complicated matters into plain talk”

James M. Lee, of Waltham, formerly of Medfield, passed away at home surrounded by family on Thursday, Dec. 11 2025. He was 79 years old.

Jim was born in Somerville on Jul. 23 1946, a son of Martin and Mary (Gillespie) Lee. Raised in Somerville, he graduated from Matignon High School, where his athletic talent made local headlines and earned a full college athletic scholarship. He earned his degree from College of the Holy Cross, where he played Division 1 football and baseball, and later earned his MBA from Suffolk University.

Jim married the love of his life, Carlene Morrissey, on Aug. 26 1978. Starting their life out together in South Natick, they soon moved to Medfield, where they raised their children and spent 25 years before settling in Waltham in 2014. Their home on Cape Cod was one of his favorite places in the world, overlooking Bourne’s pond where the sky turns pink at dusk.

Jim believed in consistency and self-discipline with a knack for understanding complex issues and explaining them simply. Jim started his days out with a 5 a.m. run, teaching the importance of health and fitness to his children through example, and finishing seven marathons along the way. He was a die-hard Celtics and Patriots fan and loved coaching his kids through basketball, softball, and baseball, turning practices into lessons on teamwork and bouncing back.

Just after graduating from Holy Cross, Jim worked as a substitute teacher for a short period of time, and his patient way of breaking down ideas translated over to the successful career he built as a financial advisor that spanned five decades. He started his career as a stock broker with PaineWebber, later becoming UBS, and working in their Boston and Wellesley offices until his retirement last year after 53 years with the company. He showed up every day with a crisp suit, shined shoes, and a neat pocket square; simple touches that reflected his respect for the work and the people he served while earning him “best dressed” nods long after casual Fridays took hold. He took real pride in helping folks invest their money and had a gift for turning complicated matters into plain talk. But what he was most proud of was his family that he loved so dearly and did whatever he could for them.

Whether it was in business, sports, or just everyday life, he was the go-to for advice for friends, family, and clients alike. And while his clients and colleagues will remember his steady, straightforward advice that put people at ease, his family and friends will remember his sense of humor, which revealed his silly side, his kindness, his generosity, and the unwavering support that made him the best husband and greatest dad.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Carlene A. (Morrissey) Lee; his daughter, Kendra Lee, of South Boston; his son, Bryan Lee, and his wife, Krizia, of Los Angeles, California; his sister, Mary Corrigan, of Arlington; many loving sisters and brothers in-law; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Martin Lee.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Jim’s life by gathering for an evening wake from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17 2025, at the Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Route 20), Waltham, and again at 10 a.m. Thursday morning before leaving in procession to St. Jude’s Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, where his funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.