James "Lee" Cathey

James ‘Lee’ Cathey passed away at his home in Grove, Oklahoma on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at the age of 66. Lee was born on August 26, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee to James H. and Barbara (Peirsol) Cathey. He graduated from Raleigh Egypt High School and then attended the University of Memphis. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for the next 18 years. He attained the rank of E-7 Master Sargeant and served in Operation Desert Storm. He earned many outstanding commendations during his Air Force career. During his tenure in the Air Force, he became an accomplished wrestler. Lee moved to the Grand Lake area from Memphis in 2013. He soon joined the American Legion, Post 178 in Grove, which he was instrumental in revitalizing. He was a dedicated member of the Grove Veteran’s Ritual Team. He swiftly moved up the ranks of the Post and the Legion, becoming the American Legion Post Commander as well as the District Commander. He was influential in aiding the Post in attaining and maintaining the F-4 Jet Fighter which is displayed at Freedom Park east of Grove. Lee is also, the current Senior Vice Commander for the American Legion Dept of Oklahoma. Among his many lifetime achievements, he was also an accomplished youth sports coach, and was a two-time National Champion Cheerleading team coach. The life that Lee lived was the epitome of ‘selfless service’, as it was engrained in the military, always placing the needs of his fellow Veteran above his own. Lee was a great friend to many, and a leader in the Grove Community and he inspired people with his confidence and unwavering positivity. Lee loved a challenge and energetically set out to achieve whatever he set his mind to. There is no doubt that Lee is irreplaceable, but he left a legacy for his peers and future generations to follow. He is survived by his wife Susan Engstrom; his children April Cathey, Roger Lee Cathey, Reagan Cathey, Alexis Engstrom and Kayla Cathey-Shea; bonus daughters, Donna Engstrom Shello and Suzanne Engstrom, 12 grandchildren and 2 bonus grandchildren; brother, Walter Cathey of Memphis, Tennessee and sister, Debra Nelson of North Carolina. A visitation for Lee will be held from 5-7 pm on Saturday, September 16th at Nichols-Stephens Funeral Service, and funeral services will be at 2:30 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at First Baptist Church, Grove. Lee will receive full Military Honors by the United States Air Force and the Grove Veteran’s Ritual Team. There will be a reception following the funeral at the Grove American Eagle Post 178 at 4pm. Lee insisted that instead of flowers, donations be made to the F4 Project or the American Legion Post 178, 114 Broadway Street, Grove, OK 74344.

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James "Lee" Cathey

August 26, 1957 - September 12, 2023