It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of an extraordinary man, James Alva DeLee Jr., affectionately known as Jim, Jimmy, and Jimbo by those closest to him. Jim was born on July 26, 1957, in Killeen, Texas, to two loving parents, James "Jug" Alva DeLee Sr. and Theresa Gladyne "Deanie" Boultinghouse, both from Port Arthur, TX. As their first born, Jim was the light of their lives, jokingly referred to as their “golden child”, sharing his childhood with his much loved siblings, Teri Wilson, Debbie Nicholson, Becca Oberg, and Richard DeLee. On October 11, 2023, Jim passed away in San Diego, CA, at the age of 66, due to complications stemming from Covid-19 and ARDS, following a tenuous two-month battle. In the end, his passing was peaceful, and he was surrounded by family and dear friends.
Jim leaves behind an enduring legacy through his four adoring children: Amy Claire DeLee, Kelsey Ann DeLee, Beau Ray James DeLee, and Jade Alexandria Matejka. He was not only a dedicated father but also a doting Grandpa to his granddaughter, Greycie Alexandria Belle Matejka, and most recently to his grandson, Julien Sebastien DeLee Chenette. Jim thought the world of his family, devoting his time and efforts, working tirelessly to ensure their happiness and well-being. To his kids, their father was their biggest fan, unwavering in his support for their passions and whims, trusting and believing in their journey wholeheartedly.
Jim’s personal journey found him surrounded by countless dear friends and close family. From his Port Arthur, TX roots, to his move to sunny San Diego, where he lived the last 39 years of his life, he possessed a gift for forging deep and lasting relationships wherever he went. People were drawn to his warmth and authentic character, and his devotion to those special in his life that was second to none.
Jim was a man of other remarkable qualities, known for his selflessness, quick-wit, and dependability. He was reliable and always accessible for his family, his friends or for his ‘team’, taking calls on mountain tops, mid-hike, just to not let someone down that may need him. He was hard-working, strong and resilient, and was dedicated to making his kids and family proud. He was also secretly very sentimental, holding onto pictures, memorable documents, and notes. Quality time and words of affirmation were his love languages, and his kids recall the countless times their hand-written cards would bring him to tears.
Jim loved watching football, riding his Harley Davidson, camping, family trips to southeast Texas and New Orleans, and the annual crawfish boil, which everyone knew was Jim’s favorite day of the year. Some lesser-known endearing tidbits about Jim were his love for key lime and coconut cream pie, his nightly games of chess before bed, and his recent attempts at learning to play the piano, surprising the family with his rendition of “Amazing Grace”.
A few of Jim's proudest moments in life were buying his first home, witnessing his youngest son, Beau, graduate from UCSB, experiencing being a grandfather, his time in the Army National Guard Airborne Infantry, and his era as a Torrey Pines football coach. He was a proud Torrey Pines Falcon, and those years had just as much of an impact on him as he no doubt left on that program. Many years as CIF champs and the brotherhood he developed was an experience he held close to his heart.
Jim was a coach on and off the field, as this dedication and desire to lead, teach and train was in his blood. Jim was incredibly hard-working and was always appreciative of the opportunity FCI gave him 28 years ago. He worked his way up in the company, leading teams of reps throughout the southwest and internationally. He gained the respect and admiration of many colleagues who all considered Jim a true friend. He had been planning his retirement, a prospect he looked forward to with both excitement and apprehension, pondering how he would spend his time. Travel would be his top priority, with his sights set on Scotland, and all throughout Europe. He was also excited to buy a Sprinter van and watch his beloved Texas A&M Aggies play football at each college stadium throughout the US as a tribute to his father’s alma mater, and to ride his Harley through picturesque landscapes and endless open roads.
For all who knew him, Jim will be remembered as one of the best. He was deeply loved and admired, and he will be profoundly missed. The family looks forward to sharing laughter and tears with all who held Jim close in their hearts as they celebrate his life and the impact he had on them. The outpouring of love and support during this difficult time is a testament to the love he gave and received throughout his remarkable life. Jim DeLee was truly a lucky man to be loved and adored by so many, and we were so fortunate to have been loved by Jim.
Celebration of Life:
In order to celebrate Jim fully, two Celebrations of Life will be held to honor his memory.
California:
When: Saturday, October 28, 2023 or Sunday October 29th
Where: San Diego, CA (more details to come, visit https://everloved.com/life-of/jim-delee/ for updates)
Texas:
When: Saturday, November 11, 2023 11-1pm
Where: Judice’s 1927, 3520 Nederland, Ave, Nederland, TX 77627
Tribute and Support: In lieu of flowers, the family requests photos, videos or voice-recorded submissions sharing special stories, memories, or expressions of how Jim touched your life. These recordings will be compiled into a video tribute that the family can watch again and again. Please send submissions via text to Amy DeLee. For those who have asked about making a donation in Jim's memory, contributions can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/jim-delee/ and will be used towards creating the most heartfelt and memorable celebration of his life that truly honors his legacy.
We love you Jimmy. You have left a lasting impact on the heart of all who had the privilege of knowing you.
For questions or any additional details, please refer to information posted on https://everloved.com/life-of/jim-delee/ , or reach out to Amy DeLee.