James Monroe Lee

James Monroe Lee, 81, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away at home on September 11, 2026. He was born on August 7, 1945, in Boise, Idaho.

Jimmy grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended Tulsa Edison High School and excelled in both football and baseball, graduating in 1963. In 1964, he was recruited to play football at the University of Oklahoma, where he played as a defensive end and linebacker before he was forced to stop playing due to a knee injury. He was also active in ROTC and a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity before graduating in 1967. His time at the University of Oklahoma shaped a lifelong love of college football, and especially the Sooners.

In 1970, Jimmy completed training at the United States Armor School in Fort Knox, Kentucky and received a National Defense Service Medal. He subsequently earned his M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University and began a career in business and real estate that would span more than five decades.

From 1973 to 1985, Jim served as president of a Louisiana-based regional wholesale distributor of consumer products serving Louisiana, Arkansas, and East Texas. He later devoted more than 30 years to real estate development, leading projects and investments across the Norman, Oklahoma, and Dallas, Texas markets. He founded 720 Companies, LP, a successful developer of self-storage and boat-storage properties. Jim was known throughout the industry for his integrity, experience, and ability to build lasting relationships with his partners. He had an extraordinary work ethic and was still working as hard as ever at the time of his sudden passing.

But Jim’s greatest pride was his family. He was absolutely devoted to his three children, Spencer, Courtney, and Mary Catherine. He was their biggest fan, steadfast supporter, encourager, and teacher. He spent countless hours attending games, supporting their endeavors, listening to their stories, and offering advice—always with genuine interest and unconditional love. He continued that same devotion as his children became adults and raised families of their own. He loved his children’s friends as well and somehow always managed to keep up with what was going on in their lives, too.

On September 9, 2015, Jimmy married Barbara McClelland Quillian in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They built a wonderful life together in Oklahoma City. When they weren’t working or spending time with their children and grandchildren, Jimmy and Barbara enjoyed traveling together to Santa Fe, Maine, and the Rocky Mountains. Jimmy also developed a particular soft spot for Barbara’s dogs, although he would never have openly admitted it.

Jim was a beloved and deeply involved grandfather to his eight grandchildren, who called him “Chief.” He could often be found on the sidelines cheering them on at their sporting events, celebrating birthdays, or simply spending time with them. He took great pride in each of them and loved watching them grow.

Outside of work and family, Jim enjoyed fly fishing and watching college football. He had a fantastic sense of humor, a quick wit, and a characteristic twinkle in his eye. He was also someone people could count on. Throughout his life, Jim quietly helped others by offering a job or internship, sharing his knowledge, or simply giving advice to someone trying to find their way out of a difficult situation. His generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others made a lasting difference in many lives.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara; his three children, James Spencer Lee (Dana) of Ross, California, Courtney Lee Heard (Andy) of Austin, Texas, and Mary Catherine Lee Ward (Jeremy) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Eloise, Turner, and Buzz Lee, Molly Catherine, Nancy, and Carter Heard, and London and Davis Ward; Barbara’s two children, James Patrick Quillian (Jennifer) and Kelsey Quillian (Brian) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Barbara’s three grandchildren, James and Ellen Quillian and Blaire Berklacy; and his brother, Jerry Lee of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his best friend, Bobby Lehman, his parents, Rachel and James Monroe Lee; and Nancy Couch Lee, the mother of his children.

A memorial service will be held on November 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love for donations to be made to https://soonershelpingsooners.com/, in honor of Jim’s lifelong commitment to helping others.

Jim will be remembered for many things: his strength of character, remarkable work ethic, affability, charm, wit, and above all, unwavering devotion to his family. He had a way of making people feel supported, valued, and cared for. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.