Lee James Latimer couldn’t wait to be born and was six-weeks premature when he arrived on March 30, 1975 in Birmingham, England. Sadly, he also left us too soon when he suddenly passed away on November 28, 2023 at the age of 48.
Mourning his passing are his wife, Lucinda, and daughter, Lauren. His mother, Joyce and sister Lisa (Brendan) and their children, Adam, Ethan and Madison of Birmingham, England. Also, missing him is his mother-in-law, Shizuko, and many relatives and friends in England and America. His beloved dogs, Chippy and Floyd, also miss their daily walks with Lee. He is predeceased by his father, James.
Born and raised in Birmingham, Lee was a proud Brummie. He attended St. John’s Primary School and secondary school at Moseley School and Sixth Form. A computer whiz at a young age, his path to a future career in IT was set when his parents bought him his first computer-a ZX81. When he wasn’t on the computer, Lee was outside playing until dusk. He could usually be found on the pitch enjoying a very rough game of rugby or football (soccer) oftentimes coming home dirty, bruised and bleeding. Lee attended De Montfort University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computing. While at university Lee made his first trip to Texas when he interned at NASA in Clearlake, TX. If you know Lee well, it is probably no surprise that he was awarded Research Student of the Year.
Near the end of 1996, Lee met Luci when he sent her an email with a question about a student organization at UT. After a year of being pen pals and two visits to meet in person, they fell in love and in January 1998 Lee immigrated to Austin, TX. They began planning their wedding and Lee began working for National Billing Exchange (NBE). Soon after, he began working for EZCORP and after many years began working for Education Finance Partners (EFP). The last company Lee worked for and helped co-found was Loan Science where he served as CTO. His colleagues were like family and like everything and anything important to Lee, he gave his all and was wholeheartedly devoted to the success of the company.
Shortly after Lee and Luci married, he embraced Catholicism and then joined the Knights of Columbus at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church. In true Lee form, he quickly rose through the ranks and served as Grand Knight. He was fulfilled through his service to the parish and the community and his favorite events were frying fish during Lent and helping host the annual Christmas party at the Austin State Supported Living Center. He always said it was the perfect way to begin Christmas.
Lee was a force to reckon with. At 6’7, his presence, beaming smile and “let’s get to work” attitude couldn’t be missed. A man of many talents and interests, Lee was a speed reader, a fast learner of just about anything, and an avid listener of NPR and many genres of music. He was a proud dual citizen of the United Kingdom and America, an admirer of Sir Winston Churchill, and a self-taught historian of the WWII-European Theatre. He loved fast cars, F1 and Lewis Hamilton and as soon as Lauren was old enough to sit through a race, it was a father/daughter passion they shared each year at COTA.
In the 25 years Lee lived in Austin, he impacted many lives through his generous and loving spirit-most of all, Luci’s and Lauren’s. A day didn’t go by that Lee didn’t show and tell Luci that he loved her and Lauren knew her dad always had her back. We hope and pray his good deeds will inspire others for many years to come.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Knights of Columbus at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church-Council 10836, KUT.org, austinpbs.org or a charity of your choice.
Services will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church (5455 Bee Caves Road,Austin TX 78746). Rosary: 10am, Mass: 11am, and Reception: 12pm
