James T. Lee of Southampton Dies in Late January

James T. Lee of Southampton died in late January. He was 82.

Affectionately known as Robert, he was born on August 22, 1941, to the late Idella Lee and Robert Bell in Southampton. He grew up in Southampton and resided at their family home at 74 Miller Road. He attended the Southampton School District.

He lived in his own little world, which was quiet and to himself. He was a lover of music and dancing and would always be seen well dressed. He enjoyed riding his bike to the village, where he would shop and mingle with everyone. He once lived and worked for his cousin Lance Gumbs, whom he was very fond of. He also spent a lot of time at his nephew Richard Lee Hite Jr.’s home, whom he was also very fond of. There he would listen to music and talk with family. He was very proud of his Native heritage and who he was. He loved traveling the Pow Wow circuits, where he would often be found helping sell crafts with cousins Harriett and Florence.

On June 26, 1965, he was joined in marriage with Mary Treadwell, a Native of the Poospatuck Nation in Mastic. From this marriage, they had three children, Robin, James and Robert.

He established his own cleaning business, named Lee’s Cleaning Services. In later years, he worked as a painter, which he enjoyed.

He was predeceased by his parents, Idella Lee and Robert Bell; a brother, Paul Green; his aunt, Clara Lee Crawley; his uncles, Collier Crawley and Thomas (Boo) Harris.

He is survived by his daughter, Robin (Michael); sons James and Robert; a grandson Jared Swan; and great-granddaughter Nyla Swan, all of Mastic; three brothers, Richard Lee Hite (Betty) of Southampton, Willie Green (Marita) of California and John Green (Kim) of Manorville; and a host of family and friends.

The family expressed gratitude for all the law enforcement, fire, EMS, community members, friends and family who came together as one to assist in the search for Robert. Special and heartfelt thank you to the Shinnecock Nation, the Youngblood Singers, Pastor Michael Smith, Pastor Curtis Terry, and Pastor Preston Brown. They’d also like to thank J.F. Goode Funeral Home of Amityville.