Lee Joseph Jimenez

Lee Joseph Jimenez

            Lee Joseph Jimenez, 1932-2011.  Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on June 4, 2011 due to advanced stage prostate cancer.  He was supported by his wife and children during his hard-fought battle against cancer and he was surrounded by his loving family until the end.  Lee was born June 26, 1932 to Mateo Jimenez and Juanita Salazar in Dividend, Utah.  He was raised in Murray, Utah, the second of five children.  Lee graduated from Murray High School where he bragged that the girls lined up just to dance with him.  Following his graduation, he joined the Army and served our country in the Korean War.  Lee graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in Business and he went on to obtain his Masters degree in Business from New York University in 1957. 

            Lee had a successful career in the optical industry where he worked in sales and management for American Optical Company.  After moving his family back to Utah he concluded his career by owning and operating two retail optical stores in Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah.  Lee had an amazing work ethic and he was admired and well-liked by his employees and professional colleagues.

            Lee won the heart of Rosemarie Marushack (Rosy) from Rock Springs, Wyoming and they were married in 1957 by Bishop Dwayne Hunt.  As Lee pursued his business career, he and Rosy lived throughout the Intermountain West and the East Coast eventually returning to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1978.  Lee was a kind-hearted, generous and loving father to Paul Jimenez (Siama) of Loveland, Colorado; David Jimenez (Alicia) of Silverthorne, Colorado; Renee Justice (David) of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Dan Jimenez of Missoula, Montana. 

            Following his retirement he enjoyed taking classes at the Salt Lake Community College in woodworking, visiting with his family, gardening and perfecting his golf game.  He enjoyed telling and retelling a good story, taking a drive, giving fatherly advice, cheering for the Utah Jazz and discussing politics.  He was down-to-earth, a good dresser, an exceptional dancer and he genuinely gave from his heart.  Lee honored his life by putting his family first and his legacy lives on through his children and those whose hearts he touched along the way. 

            Lee is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosy, his children, seven grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his siblings Ruben Jimenez (Marianne); Nita Fox (Bunky); Lucy O’Brian (Gary) and Matt Jimenez. 

The family gives a special thanks to the staff and employees of Care Source Hospice for all of their love, help, support and the wonderful care provided to Lee and his family.

            A Vigil service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where a wake service will immediately follow until 9:00 PM.  Lee was a long-time parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.  He will be laid to rest in a private committal service at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.