John F. Lee, 67, of Watson, passed away Wednesday, March 12th at his home with his family by his side after a seven year battle with cancer.

John married Janet Hirschy in 1978 and is survived by his four children: Jason (Brittany) Lee -Watson, Joanna Lee (Dan Radley) - Cape Vincent, Jeremy Lee – Lowville, and Jennifer (Shane) Berghorn – Copenhagen, and his seven grandchildren: Jada, Jaylen, Jeiel, Jullian, Jaxson, Olivia and Walker; who called him "Papa"; as well as five siblings: Dennis (Andi) Lee, Donna (Gary) Jones, Bill (Becky) Kaufmann, Paula Kaufmann and Tina (Mark) Tuttle, all of Lowville and many nieces and nephews.

John was born on September 21st, 1957 in Lowville, NY; the son of the late Richard Lee and Kathryn (Paul) Kaufmann.

John graduated in 1976 from Lowville Academy. Fresh out of school, John went to Wyoming with friends and was a master welder on the oil rigs. He then returned home and held many positions including welding at Viking, working at the local Kraft Plant, driving tanker for Duflo Spraying, working with his brother Dennis at Lee's Auto and finishing at IBEW Local 1249, Syracuse, NY (B Chapter).

He was an active member of the Sons of the Lowville American Legion Post 162 (Sergeant-at-Arms) also helping out with countless Chicken BBQ's.

John was actively involved with the Watercross Association at Flat Rock Inn. In his younger years he would build race sleds with his family and travel all over to compete – winning multiple awards.

John also coached many youth in the Lowville area in Football and Wrestling leaving a lasting impression that they will always remember.

John's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lewis County Hospice for their loving care and compassion shown to John and his family.

As per John's wishes, there will be no services. A Celebration of Life (Party as John would call it) will be held in the near future.

Instead of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Sons of the Lowville American Legion Post 162. One of John's last wishes was that family and friends remember him the way he was and not to mourn for him.