Resident of Scotts Valley

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John Joseph Lee, beloved Husband, Father, Brother, and Friend. After a two-year journey with cancer, he died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 12, 1955, to John Maurice Lee and Zeta Alice Lee, John grew up in Southern California, with an older sister, Debra Kay Lee, and two younger twin brothers, Edward Thomas “Teddy” Lee (deceased 1988) and Alan Randolph “Randy” Lee. He attended and graduated from the prestigious Cate School and made many lasting friendships there before moving up to Santa Cruz County in 1974.

John worked in the computer industry as a respected Senior Engineer and leader for over four decades. He owned his own consulting business, Surf Software, at one point. He worked as an Engineer and Manager for Sun Microsystems and as Vice President at Platform Solutions Inc. before working with IBM for the past 16 years. There, he had the opportunity to create many different patents for his technical work. With his brilliant mind and warm personality, he easily blended advanced technical skills with interpersonal skills, making him a rare combination in the field.

In 1993, he married the love of his life, Chimene (Hillig) Lee, and together they raised two beautiful children, Jasper Evan Lee and Kiana Grace Lee. He was deeply proud of his family and they had many wonderful experiences together, from trips and holidays, to hosting fabulous annual 4th of July parties at their home.

John was a long-time member of his cherished men’s group, Team Samurai, meeting weekly for over 35 years, as well as taking many adventure trips together and supporting seniors in the community through their non-profit organization. Among his soul brothers, he was known as “King John,” a masterful Storyteller, full of wisdom, humor, and generosity. He loved Nature and felt at home in the elements. He was a Foodie Extraordinaire, a BBQ Meister, and he loved creating meals for the people he adored.

He was a kind, loving, brilliant, clever and dedicated family man, a beautiful example of Love in Action. His presence in the world was a blessing to all who knew him and he will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of love.

A memorial and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Scotts Valley Community Center. Please gather with us to share stories, memories, and the love he brought into our lives.