Lee James Pantas

Biographical Highlights

Born: 1941-

Personal: Wife Elizabeth (deceased), Children Susanna and Daniel

Education: B.S Biology (1964) and M.S. Freshwater Ecology (1966),

University of Vermont

Military Service: Captain, US Army Military Police (1967-1969)

Scientific Research Associate: Rhine Institute for Parapsychology,

Durham NC. (1972-73)

Community Service:

1978- Founder of New Covenant Center, Stamford CT., a

Catholic Christian soup kitchen for homeless people.

1995-2025 -Track & Field Hurdles Coach for AC Reynolds Middle

and High Schools, & USATF Jr. Olympics Team, Asheville NC.

2003 -Founder of the Blue Ridge Classic Track & Field Meet,

Asheville NC.

Author & Illustrator: “The Ultimate Guide to Asheville & the Western

North Carolina Mountains”, “Wild & Furry Animals of the Southern

Appalachian Mountains”, “Wild & Furry Animals of the Northern

Appalachian Mountains”, and “A Journey to Liza’s Reef”.

Pen & Ink Drawings: Completed over 2000 drawings of private

residences, historic buildings, landscapes and wild animals.

Paintings: Visionary nature-themed acrylic paintings in over 300 private

and public collections.

Recognition & Awards:

2002 AFLAC National Assistant Track & Field Coach of the

Year Award

Bronze Medal 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards for

“Wild & Furry Animals of the Southern Appalachian Mountains”

and 2019 placement in the collection of the Smithsonian

Natural History Library.

Biography in 2026 edition of Marquis Who’s Who in America for

lifetime accomplishments in art & literature promoting

awareness and protection of wild animals, especially

endangered species and their environments.