Jesse Roy Lee

Longtime Matanuska Valley resident Jesse Roy Lee, 79, died Dec. 12, 2011, at Providence Extended Care Center in Anchorage.

A celebration of life is at 3 p.m., Dec. 20 at the First Presbyterian Church of Wasilla, 1375 East Bogard Road, in Wasilla.

Jesse was born Dec. 9, 1932, in Amite, La., to Jesse Langston and Sadie Mae (Young) Lee. He grew up and attended school in Amite, graduating from Amite High School in 1952. Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 at Fort Polk, La., and was honorably discharged at Fort Richardson in 1958.

Jesse was united in marriage to Doris Roberta Miller on May 20, 1956, at Fort Richardson. The couple had three children, Shane, Kelly and Cydney.

During the many years Jess lived in the Matanuska Valley, he was active coaching Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion baseball and youth football. Jess was a member of the Mat-Su Borough Assembly during the 1960s; a Matanuska Electric Association board member; a lifetime member of Northwestern Public Power; and a member of the Palmer Golf Course Hall of Fame. During the formation of the Mat-Su Miners, Jess worked tirelessly to make the team a reality. An avid golfer, Jess donated much of his time to make sure a bond was passed, paving the way to build Palmer Golf Course. After his employment by the Alaska State Troopers, Jess worked as a union negotiator assuring benefits for the Alaska State Troopers. Jess’ dedication to helping better his community will be missed by many; especially his many friends and loving family.

Survivors include his wife, Doris; children, Shane, Kelly and Cydney; grandchildren, Amber Hays, Shayle DenBleyker, Tom Babin and Nolan Babin; six great-grandchildren; nephew, Doug Statham; niece, Judy Myers; and cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Olien Louise (Lee) Massey.

Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Alaska of Anchorage.