James Lee Mckee

James Lee McKee passed peacefully December 14, 2015 at Valley Manor Care Center at the age of 79. He was born December 7, 1936 in Rich Hill Missouri to Edna (Wheeler) McKee  and William Burle McKee. He spent his childhood in Missouri.

In his early teens he moved to Colorado. Jim played baseball, football and basketball. He was an exceptional athlete. He graduated from Westminster High School in 1955. He received his Phd in psychology from the University of Denver June 4, 1970.

He married Jeannine Persichetti Sept. 5, 1959. They had three children, Kirsten, Keenan and Shannon. Their daughter Shannon passed away April 30, 1983.

Jim married Carol G. Seaton April 16, 1975 in Kearney Nebraska where they began a new life together raising Andrew G. Seaton and Michelle D. Seaton.

Jim was CEO of mental health centers in Nebraska, Missouri and Indiana from 1974 -1995. When they returned to Colorado in 1995 he and his wife Carol provided psychological services to residents in long-term care facilities in Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose for 17 years.

He was passionate and devoted to helping people who needed support and guidance. This was a gift he shared with dedication. His hobbies included golf, flying airplanes and playing with his cats. He is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter Kirsten and her husband Dave Coldiron of Loveland; his son Keenan McKee and wife Lisa of Montrose; his son Andrew Seaton and wife Stacy of Littleton, and daughter Michelle Seaton of Boston MA.

Jim is also survived by nine grand children: David and Carly Coldiron of Frederick, CO; Dylan and Vanessa Coldiron of Buffalo Wyo; Adeline and Darius Coldiron of Loveland; Shannon and Lloyd Coleman of Hawaii; Sierra and Shalynn McKee of Montrose; Ryan and Adam Seaton of Littleton.  He is also survived by three great grandchildren: Wyatt and Bronson Coldiron of Buffalo, Wyo and Landon Coldiron of Frederick, CO.

Dr. McKee and Carol shared a great love of cats. Memorial contributions can be made to the Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary, Paonia (Cats) Attention Pat Gwinn 970-527-3424; 42528 Needle Rock Rd. Crawford CO 81415.