J. SCOTT LEE

J. Scott Lee, age 72, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 12, 2025, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, Illinois, held in the loving arms of his wife, Bunny. Born on May 20, 1952, at Herrin Hospital, Scott's life was marked by devotion, strength, and an enduring will that carried him through the many seasons of his life.

A gifted athlete from an early age, Scott was a proud member of Johnston City High School's legendary 1969 football team, one of only two teams to ever go undefeated in the school's 100-year history, a milestone that has not been matched since. After graduating in 1970, he attended Southeast Missouri State College for one year, where he also played on the football team, before joining the United States Marine Corps. Scott served as a Drill Instructor and earned both the Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship Badges, as well as the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1976.

Following his military service, Scott built a long and dedicated career in coal mining, working at Zeigler no. 4, Brushy Creek, and Wabash mines. he simultaneously completed his Bachelor's Degree at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1978. He later earned his Master's Degree in Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering. He went on to serve as a Federal Mine Safety Inspector with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in 1999 until his retirement in 2016.

Scott was an avid outdoorsman with a deep love of hunting and fishing. He was also a man of profound faith and found a spiritual home at Oasis Community Church of the Nazarene in Harrisburg, where his cousin and Pastor, Gary Clark, guided his spiritual life.

Scott's life was marked by deep passions, unwavering resilience, and a determination that defined much of his journey. His path was not always easy, and his relationships reflected both the deep love he carried and the struggles he endured. He was a man of great strength, faith, and contradictions, remembered differently by those who knew different parts of him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Bunny Lee; his children Lyndsey (Lee) Ryan (spouse Sean; grandchildren Jack and Grace Ryan), Leslie (Lee) McGee (spouse Rob; grandson Daniel), and Tyler Lee (fiancé Isabella; daughter Mariana Lee); and his grandsons Sylas and Shaw Lee, with whom he shared a close and meaningful bond. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Lee) Boylan (spouse Ray; nephew Matt); and cousins Gary (spouse Peggy) Clark, Gerald Kurth, and Kari Harris.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Lee Jr.; his mother, Lois E. (Tigwell) Lee; and his beloved grandmother, Jessie (Roberts) Lee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Murman and Wilson Funeral Home to support the cost of services.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday April 15, 2025, in the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Gary Clark officiating. Burial will be in Corinth Cemetery east of Johnston City. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Marion American Legion, V.F.W, and Marine Burial Honors Team.  A community meal and celebration of life will be held at 3:30 p.m. at Oasis Community Church of the Nazarene in Harrisburg.