Dr. J. Michael Lee, 73, of Macungie, died June 7, 2018, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, with his family by his side. He was the husband of Mary E. (Ryder) Lee, with whom he celebrated 53 years of marriage. Born in St. Louis, Mo., he was the son of the late Walden C. and Anne T. (O’Shea) Lee.

He was a graduate of the University of Missouri, Southern Illinois University and received his doctorate in business administration from American/Nova Southeastern University.

He honorably served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968.

He began his career at Christian Hospitals in 1968 as unit manager, assistant to the administrator and assistant to the president. In 1973 he served as executive director of Christian Old People’s Home. In 1974 to 1975 he was the director of Christian Hospital developing an HMO program. In 1975, he was the administrator of Hopedale Medical Complex and Christian Hospital NW. From 1978 to 1980 he served as vice-president of Christian Health Care Systems. In 1980 he became president and CEO of Hospital Central Services, Inc. and Miller Keystone Blood Center, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 2013.

He was a professor at DeSales University.

He was a fellow on the American College of Healthcare Executives, member of the American Association of Blood Banks, National Association of Healthcare Executives, American Marketing Association, Academy of Management, Regional American College of Healthcare Executives Chapter, Preceptor Penn State Health Administration Program, Nursing Leadership Council of the University of Missouri, St. Louis Family Planning Council, Ambulatory Care Ad-Hoc Review Committee and Florissant Energy Commission.

In 2000, he was awarded membership in Sigma Beta Delta, National Honor Society in business, management and administration as well as the Regent Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2001.

Active in his community, he served as the chairman of Lehigh Valley Savings Bond Program, board member of the American Red Cross, Children’s Home of Easton, Academy for Health, Science, and Fitness, Allentown School District, United Cerebral Palsy, March of Dimes, American Heart Association Regional Chapter, Mary Ryder Home for Elderly Women, National Association of Healthcare Executives, The Burn Foundation, American Heart Association “Heart Walk,” Lehigh Valley Child Care, Brookside Country Club, South Whitehall Township Zoning Board, Northampton Community College Advisory Council, Allentown Chamber of Commerce, AHA Conference for Executives of Shared Service Organizations, St. Francis Academy for Girls, South Parkland Youth Association, Alumni Association at University of Missouri and Southern Illinois University and Lions Club International.

He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Allentown.

He is survived by his wife; sons, John M. II and his wife Tia and Patrick and his wife Joey; daughter, Catherine; grandchildren, Andrew, Jordan Pappano-Lee, Lindsey, Josh “Eddie”; great-granddaughter, Reese Fenstermaker; brothers, Patrick and Bill and his wife Barbara; sisters, Nancy Behnen and Sue and her husband Robert Wheeler.

Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.