Dr. Lee James White

In Loving Memory of Dr. Lee James White (1939-2023)

"The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.” Alexandra K. Trenfor

Lee James White, a devoted husband, father, and dedicated educator, passed away on August 11th (he left with a spectacular sunset). Born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 9, 1939, Lee’s life was a testament to his commitment to family and education.

Lee’s passion for learning led him to pursue a career in higher education with engineering degrees from The University of Cincinnati and a doctorate from The University of Michigan. Through his career he positively impacted the lives of countless students and faculty as a professor and administrator for over 40 years. He was a professor at Wright State University, The Ohio State University (Department Chair), University of Alberta (Department Chair), and Case Western Reserve University (Department Chair). His kind and patient approach inspired generations of university students to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. His research and innovation in software testing and design was world renowned. Beyond the classroom, Lee’s passion for learning and curiosity extended to the lives he touched within his own large, extended family.

A loving husband, Lee shared 59 years of marriage with his beloved wife Rochelle, a partnership built on mutual respect, deep affection, and a love of travel and adventures. Together, they celebrated life’s joys and weathered its challenges, creating a legacy of love, support, caring, family, and togetherness that will endure for generations. Lee and Rochelle truly enjoyed the big screen, trips with his college roommates/spouses and (Kent/Kayleen and Larry/Melony) as well as numerous trips with his sister Pat and her husband J.D. Lee and Rochelle’s world travels are too extensive to summarize, but highlights are multiple trips to China, India, and Italy.

As a father, Lee was supportive and proud of his two children, Lisa Sandoval and David White (and his wife Heidi). He instilled in them the values of hard work, determination, commitment, excellence, and the importance of education. Lee is also survived by his grandchildren, Taylor (and her fiancée Brett), Jackson, Cory and Nick (and his husband Sean). Lee’s great-grandchildren include Zach, Reese and Jack David. He is also survived by his sister Pat Mallery and brother John White (and his wife Marilyn). Lee is also grateful for his loving sister and brothers-in-law as well as loving nieces and nephews (and their families).

Lee’s joys encompassed time with family/friends, harmonizing in choirs (formal church groups and informally too), listening to classical music, curiosity of the world, avidly following sports, indulging in reading, completing crossword puzzles/ Sudoku, watching movies (especially sci-fi movies), staying active with racquetball until his early 70’s and the occasional cinnamon donut or chocolate milkshake. Lee’s warmth, wit, wisdom, and passions will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests to open the door for a stranger or consider a donation in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN) or St. Andrew United Methodist Church Music Program (Highlands Ranch, CO).

Rest in peace, knowing your legacy lives on through the lives you’ve shaped and the love you’ve shared.

A private celebration of life will be held in the future to honor Lee’s life and memory on Sunday, November 5th, 2023, at Indulge South Glenn – 6955 S. York St. in Centennial, Colorado from 2pm to 5pm. The family invites you to share stories at the celebration. If you cannot attend or are not comfortable presenting your short story, please send to dwhite@askphc.com by October 31st and the family will have someone read your remembrance (thanks)