It is with great sadness we say our goodbyes to our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend Jesse (Thornton) Lee of Helena, MT. He passed away at home from natural causes on May 24, 2022. He was 57 years old.

Jesse was born on December 26, 1964 to Glen and Jackie Thornton. In 1967 Jackie married George Lee who then became father and mentor to Jesse, sharing a love of hunting and old cars that Jesse fully embraced. After attending Helena High School he went on to the Helena Vo-Tech mechanics program. He spent his years in Helena quietly helping where he could, planning the next hunting season, taking on the next big garage project and making memories with family.

Jesse battled kidney problems from the time he was 4 years old. But he lived his life on his terms, the way he wished, which was most often up on a mountain on the hunt (archery and rifle), in the garage painting a hot rod or restoring his latest old vehicle. Jesse collected lifelong friends, a few of which will scatter his ashes on the mountains he knew and loved.

Jesse is survived by his life partner of 35 years Marion Kraft, his mother Jackie Lee of Helena, sister Pamela Lee (daughter Jorgeann) of Helena, sister Faye Thornton (daughter Laura, son Michael) of Wyoming, stepsisters, numerous cousins and those friends he called family.

Jesse is preceded in death by his father (Glen Thornton), his stepfather (George Lee), grandparents and a niece.

Graveside memorial service is scheduled for June 4th, at noon, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7100 N Montana Ave. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jesse's life. Memorials can be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.