Few people know the ‘How, When or Why’ of the jLee Foundation and the motivation behind its birth.  The idea of promoting and challenging young people to pursue careers in the Sciences and Technology doesn’t really come up in most everyday conversations or casual diner chit-chat.  But some might find it interesting how and when this cause came into existence, and why its continuance is so important to its creator. So, if interested, bear with curiosity a moment to hear “The Story” that is, and hopefully will continue, behind the jLee Foundation for Science and Technology.

Dr. James Lee Hern (known to his close friends and growing up with the nickname Jimmy Lee or jLee…another story for another time) grew up in a small coal mining town in Southern West Virginia.  His father was a lifelong coal miner with modest means; however, he was devoted to bettering his family of six beyond his challenging, but proud, career of returning home black-faced each long day from the depths of the West Virginia mountains.  It honestly can be said that “We weren’t poor, but sure could use a bit more”. The way of this modest lifestyle, that included an outhouse and a long clothesline for Mom to dry Dad’s hand laundered coal covered britches and work shirts, did not really enable the means of putting four kids through college…as a matter of fact, it was a given that the boys of this family would likely continue the generational pursuit of harvesting coal, just like all the previous members of the family.

Growing up in a less than wealthy household wasn’t really all that bad, not having much in the way of material things was more than canceled by being blessed with a home of love and the mentoring of wonderful high school math and science teachers. They saw a possible future “Beyond” that of mining. These surroundings provided a challenge to go toward something better.  But the way to that through higher education was not an easy financial reality at that time.

Jimmy Lee wanted to be an engineer.  He loved to be a part of building things and worked some evenings with an elderly carpenter that amazed him with what could skillfully be done with simple tools. But engineering school was miles away from home and the financial burdens of the family just couldn’t manage that undertaking. There was a small local college that did offer some science-based studies, but even that was a stretch.  At that time the hope of something beyond a labor career seemed somewhat dim. That was not a bad thing, but hopes for a future to “do more” just was not at hand’s reach.

While attending the very small and limited local high school (1967 graduating class of 20) the math teacher along with the chemistry instructor took it upon themselves to challenge a few knowledge-hungry students with advanced math and science studies.  They personally purchased extensive study materials and pushed three among the group to go “Beyond”.  This fortunately resulted in the three not only being supercharged for a potential leap into a science-based education, but additionally they all received academic scholarships to the small local college.

Fortunately, Jimmy Lee was one of the three and, thus, with this small scholarship the door was opened to something other than a coal-dust-covered face with seven-day work schedules. To say jLee was blessed is truly an understatement. 

The small college turned out to be a special institution of inspiration and mentors.  The professors of this wonderful incubator took pride in propelling those hungry for knowledge toward more, and pushed those with potential to extend themselves “beyond.”  He along with his other two high-school mates all pursued careers there in science and would eventually gain respective doctorate degrees.  Because of the blessings of a loving family, mentoring teachers, and a Seemingly Insignificant Scholarship, a path was opened to something “Beyond”.

So, now “The Story” becomes evident…as a result of being helped along the way and working hard, there is even more to becoming successful and then enjoying the fruits of one’s accomplishments.  It behooves the successor to “Pay it Forward” and give a helping hand to deserving others.

The jLee Foundation is just that. There are many aspiring to go “Beyond”.  But it sometimes takes a little more than just hoping and wishing to make it happen. This nonprofit is a small way of helping.  Hopefully each career that is touched by this aid organization will prosper…and then, also will continue to “Pay it Forward”.