Dr. James DeLee, 93, entered into eternal life with Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.
James was born on May 15, 1930 in Jackson to Thomas Kernan DeLee and Rosa Spillman DeLee. He grew up as the youngest of eleven siblings with nine brothers and one sister. He spent much of his childhood working on the family farm and playing checkers. After a long day of work, he and his brothers would cool off by swimming in Thompson Creek.
He showed an aptitude for intellectual achievement at an early age and continued to pursue education his entire life. He graduated from Julius Freyhan High School in St. Francisville in 1947. He attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational agriculture in 1951 and a Master of Education in administration in 1956.
He attended the University of Alaska in Fairbanks while serving in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He went on to earn his Doctorate in educational administration and supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1970.
DeLee is survived by the love of his life, Catherine Eugenia Puerta DeLee. Their relationship started over a cup of coffee in the LSU Union and became a lifelong journey of mutual love, respect and admiration that inspired everyone they encountered. They were married on Aug. 10, 1957 at Pine Grove Baptist Church in DeQuincy and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They had three children: Rosalin DeLee Gregory of Alexandria; James Anthony DeLee and wife Wanda Schexnayder DeLee of Collinsville, Miss.; and Cathy Jo DeLee Martin and husband Carey Martin of Waco, Texas, along with twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents (named above), a great grandson, Mark Anthony Huff, and all of his ten siblings: Thomas Kernan DeLee Jr., Daniel Webster DeLee, John Rufus DeLee, Arthur DeLee, Abraham DeLee, Isaac DeLee, Jacob DeLee, Rosa DeLee Kent, Andrew DeLee and Samuel DeLee.
He had many interests and hobbies. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and was known for organizing football games with his grandchildren that frequently ended in a tie. He often challenged his children and grandchildren to a game of checkers. He never tired of chatting and discussing politics with his friends and family. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures like traveling with his wife, drinking coffee, reading, praying, studying the Bible, square dancing and watching the news. He was very active and could often be found working outside. He cared for God’s creation through planting trees and gardening. His yard was always meticulously cared for.
He was passionate about learning and teaching. He spent his life imparting his knowledge to others, and he endeavored to inspire everyone he encountered to realize their educational goals. His professional experiences were numerous.
He began his career as an adult education teacher in Plaquemines and East Baton Rouge Parishes. He taught junior high math and science in Calcasieu Parish. He was an associate professor of elementary education at Louisiana College, and he was the director of student teaching at McNeese State University. DeLee served in the Louisiana State Department of Education as a supervisor of elementary schools and later as the director of teacher education and certification.
He relocated and made Alexandria his home in 1975 when he accepted a position at LSU-Alexandria as the assistant dean of admissions and academic affairs. He served in various positions during his 15-year tenure at LSU-A including acting dean and chief academic officer, professor of education, and the coordinator of the LSU Baton Rouge Graduate Program. He retired from LSU-A in 1990. He then became the Alexandria area graduate education coordinator for Northwestern State University from 1990 to 1995. He also owned and operated the Louisiana Real Estate School in Alexandria. During his extensive career, he authored a number of books and his expertise, knowledge and research were published in numerous educational periodicals and pamphlets.
DeLee was a United States Army Veteran and he proudly served in the HQ 4th Infantry during the Korean Conflict. He received a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal during this time.
He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church where he served throughout the years as a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher. He was a member of several organizations including the Louisiana Association of Teacher Educators, Sons of the American Revolution, Alexandria Lions Club, Phi Delta Kappa, the Masonic Lodge, El Karubah Shriners and the Order of the Eastern Star.
James DeLee was loved by many and will truly be missed.
Memorial donations may be made to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, Shriners Hospital, Pine Grove Baptist Church in DeQuincy or Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria.
Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 4811 Wes Berry Road, DeQuincy. Pastor Jordan Doyle officiated. Interment followed at Masonic Cemetery in DeQuincy.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
