Charles "Chuck" Felton Lee

Charles "Chuck" Felton Lee passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on December 7, 2022 at the age of 87. Born to Mattie & James Lee in Birmingham, Alabama in 1935, Chuck moved with his parents and younger brother, Allen, to California in the late 1940s. In 1952 he graduated from Compton High School where he excelled at academics and was a star runner on the track team.

He earned degrees at UCLA and University of Redlands that led to a lifelong and fulfilling career in education. After working as a teacher and principal in Warner Springs and Palm Springs, Chuck moved to San Diego where he was Director of the San Diego County Juvenile Court & Community Schools from 1968 - 1997. In this leadership role, he was able to guide educational reform efforts for incarcerated and unattended youth, which became nationally recognized best practice models. In the 1980s, he studied closely under psychologist Carl Rogers, where he learned how to incorporate the humanistic approach into his style of management and into his relationships with others. Chuck has often been referred to as "the best boss ever" and he was very influential in the careers of many educators and the lives of countless students. He was proud of his many accomplishments with JCCS, and it was also in this role that he met his wife, Geri, a teacher in the court schools, whom he married in 1993 after 25 years of friendship.

Upon retirement, Chuck stayed active in many ways. He served as a WASC school accreditor which allowed him to help schools as far as Thailand and American Samoa. He found camaraderie and purpose in a 15 year summer position in the guest relations office of the San Diego County Fair where he was able to troubleshoot issues for fair visitors. In his later years he attended many conscious eldering retreats that focused on aging with intention and passion. He made an effort to intentionally live a life of purpose - even during what he knew was his final year of life.

A voracious reader from a very young age, Chuck always had a book in his hands. Other hobbies throughout his life included white river rafting, aerobic dance classes, puzzles of all kinds, and playing poker. He enjoyed poker nights twice a month with the same group of friends for the last forty years and loved teaching the art of poker to younger generations.

Chuck positively impacted the lives of countless people over the course of his life. He loved connecting with others and supporting anyone in need. Known for his generosity, kindness, words of wisdom, and joyous energy, Chuck believed in doing a good deed for others every day. He had a smile that could light up any room and always made those around him feel seen and heard.

He is survived by his wife, Geri Shea Lee; his brother, Allen Lee (Ede); his children, Jackie Singer (Sid), Michael Bennett (Molly), his stepchildren, Kristin Shea-Thiel (Miles), Katie Shea-Holl (Gernot), and Stephen Shea; his stepchildren from a previous marriage, Eloise Appel (Mark), Susan Martin (Tom), and Bruce Martin (Carolyn); his grandchildren, Deseray and Ramona Lee, Jason Bennett, Jeff Moors (Eryn), Sarah Jordan (Kyle), Deborah Singer, Orion Shea, Addilee, Capri and Gracelyn; and six great-grandchildren, India, Isla, Israel, Damian, Cosmo, and Hilde.

He leaves behind a legacy rooted in compassion, love and generosity. To honor Chuck's life, please consider listening a little more actively, tipping a little more generously, or helping someone when they least expect it.