Obituaries
Joseph James Lees, 79
May 17, 2020
Joseph James Lees, 79, son of the late Joseph and Thelma Lees, passed away in his sleep at his Ephrata home on 5/17/2020.
He was president of Manheim Twp. Ambulance, which included both active duty as EMT and board member for his time span. He served as a Navy Radioman on the USS Essex (CVS-9) during peace time. Joe loved being a sharpshooter with the Red Rose Pistol Team. As a former board member of ORCA, he was a failed animal foster father many times over.
Joe leaves his wife Virginia; a son, James Joseph Lees and wife Cheryl, and two granddaughters Lauren and Erin; a daughter, Elizabeth and husband Steve, and two grandchildren, Julian A and partner Heather Klemm, and Brigid; and his sister Jane Kujala and husband Larry.
A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of this loving man to ORCA, 401 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602, would be appreciated.
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Condolences to the Family
June 03, 2020
Godspeed Joe. I was an EMT at Manheim Township during Joe’s “early” years there. He was a leader, and he served that group apparently for decades. That is amazing. I’m glad we met at one point along the journey and worked together in the name of helping others as volunteers.
jeff kirchner
May 26, 2020
My Uncle Joe was Christ’s salt of the earth, and we thank Him for Joe’s life. God bless Joe, Ginny, Jim, Liz, and their families. I am sorry for your loss.
Michael W. Chorazy
May 26, 2020
A real gentleman with a good sense of humor. I worked with Joe in the Harrisburg SSC and by phone when he was a Switchman in Lancaster. The world has lost one of the ttruely good ones. Rest in peace my fellow aircraft carrier Navy man.
Don Person
May 25, 2020
Joe was the epitome of a fine moral human being. He gave love and respect to all he met, to all he called friends, and to the animals he rescued and aided in his years with Organization for Responsible Care of Animals. We are humbled by his service, The board and staff of ORCA.
May 25, 2020
I was sorry to read Joe’s obituary in the paper.Joe was a friend and a good co-worker.My thoughts and prayers go out to Ginny. Jim,Liz and his grandchildren.
Janet Degenhardt
May 25, 2020
So sorry to read about Joe’s passing. He was a great guy. I worked with Joe for many years at Bell Tel. Ginny, you might remember us ’cause we went together, to the Street Rod Nats in Nashville in the 70″s and I had my Model “A” Street Rod. Terrific memories.
Jerry & June Downing
May 20, 2020
You were a great brother -in-law and you will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to Ginny,Jim, Liz and their families. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dottie Karr
