James Lee was born to the parents of Charlie Payne and Ethel Mae Steele on March 13, 1949. He attended John Hay High School. He married his high school sweetheart and became a provider as we all knew him for as a young adult. He spent many years as a baker, as he truly knew his way around the kitchen. Followed by a “long stint” as a bus driver, for R.T.A. James ultimately, retired from manufacturing work at BenVenue, a pharmaceutical company.

James often called “Pete” was one of the most social people the family knew. He loved people, he loved to make you smile, because of his career in driving, he met new people every day. Everywhere he went, he always knew someone and always had a story. He could go on and on about perfect strangers.

Music went hand in hand with Pete. His entire adult life he had the nicest entertainment centers. He liked it loud and crisp, over time switching over from records, tapes to CDs he kept up the same energy, loud and crisp. Pete was an alpha male, strong and stern at times, but he was very generous and supportive to all that needed him. He didn’t mind helping people out, he did what he could with what he had. Pete was loving, courageous and mighty.

James was preceded in death by Father Charlie Payne, and siblings, Anthony Steele, Lee Steele Jr., Barbara Ellis, Ruthie Lowery, Mary Burton, Irene Walton, and Charles Payne.

He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved mother, Ethel Mae Steele, brothers Angelo Jones, Lorenzo Steele, Ricky Dardens, Larry Payne, and sisters Denitha, Ira, and Geraldine Steele, Hessie Stewart, Phyllis Carlock, Patricia Brown Mellott, Charlotte Holder, and Charlie Kinney. His children, Tracy Mills, Erica Lee, Elisha Lee-Martinez, Charie Makeupson, Grandchildren, Makhaila Mills, Braylon Journee, Madison Mills, Antonio Mills, Miya Martinez, James Harper Jr., Nolan Martinez., bonus grandchildren, Monet, Michole, and Nicco Martinez. Also a special friend and companion Tanya Makeupson and a large host of other family members and friends.