Colonel Jack Winston Lee, a retired officer of the United States Air Force, died on November 7, 2025, at Namaste, Williamsburg Landing in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was 83 years old. Born on October 29, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas, Lee dedicated his life to military service and community engagement.
Growing up in Clovis, New Mexico, Lee aspired to join the USAF. He graduated from Clovis High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts from New Mexico State University and a Master of Business Administration from Baltimore University. His military career commenced in 1966, with his first assignment at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachusetts. Over the next 22 years, he served in various locations, including Wakkanai, Japan, Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, and Ramasun Station in Thailand. He concluded his service at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, as the Joint Signals Intelligence Officer before retiring in 1988.
Following his military career, Lee worked for E-Systems in Northern Virginia for eight years. He later moved to Williamsburg, where he spent the last 25 years employed by Truist Bank. Lee’s family history connected him to the founding of America; he was a direct descendant of John Lee (1703) of the Lees of Virginia, qualifying him for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. He actively contributed to the organization as treasurer and chaplain.
Lee was also a passionate participant in the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. For 11 years, he performed as one of the costumed 18th-century dancers at both the Palace and Capitol. His involvement with the Heritage Dance Group showcased his love for history and culture.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia Snyder Lee, and his devoted service dog, Duncan. Additional family members include Sheri Lynn and her brother, Lloyd Alan Trueblood, Ph.D., from Crestline, California, along with Callie Hawkins-Hobbie, President and CEO of President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C., and the nursing duo, Mike Zidanic, RN, and Michelle Zidanic, RN, of Ocean Pines, Maryland.
A private memorial service will be announced in due course. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to President Lincoln Cottage, located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd, NW, Washington, D.C. 20011. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
Lee’s legacy, characterized by his dedication to service and community, will be remembered by those whose lives he touched. As he once reflected, “Sunshine passes, shadows fall, but love and remembrance outlast all.”