Jimmy Lee was dedicated to the Marine Corps League and served in all levels of the League. He served as Maryland Department Commandant from 1976-1977. He was a member of the Delmarva Detachment, now the SSgt Walter F. "Trae" Cohee III Detachment 115. Jimmy Lee was also active in the Military Order of the Devil Dogs (MODD), "The Fun & Honor Society of the MCL". In 2009, Jimmy Lee was made an Honorary Chief Devil Dog (The MODD equivalent of a MCL National Commandant).

The Jimmy Lee Howard Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to a member who best exemplifies a lifetime of service to the Marine Corps League.