James "Mel" Lee was born to Rosetta Lee and the late Tommy James Lee on December 16, 1964 in Greenville, MS. James graduated from Greenville High School in 1983. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Hope M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Willie Hall before being called into ministry. Minister James Lee relocated to Memphis, TN, where he became a member of St. John M.B. Church and served as Youth Pastor, under the leadership of Pastor Delaney. James was a God fearing, loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

He leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories with his wife of 31 years: Gladys Lee of Southaven, MS; his mother: Rosetta Lee of Greenville, MS; five sons: James "Mel" Lawrence (Lakisha) of Arkansas; Byron Lawrence (Miranda) of Arkansas; Demetrius Lee (Jessica) of California; Raheem Kelly of Mississippi, and Bryan Carter (Vicky) of California and two daughters: Zieta Lee of the Marines and Whitney Carter of California. He also leaves behind three sisters and three brothers: Shirley Adkinson (Mitchell, Sr) of Mississippi; Cheryl McElroy (Elliot, Sr.) of Mississippi; Donna McGee (Jessie) of Tennessee; Roosevelt Love, Sr. (Carolyn), Thomas Lee and Bobby Lee of Mississippi along with special friends: Antonio and Kima Davis, Larry and Susan Saddlewhite, Leroy and Katrina Davenport, and Owen and Mary Rhodes. James also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren that will miss him dearly.