Navajo Nation mourns former vice president and educator Rex Lee Jim

Rex Lee Jim, a former Navajo Nation vice president, educator, poet and traditional knowledge holder, died Feb. 24, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, tribal leaders and Diné College announced. Diné College said Jim was a “distinguished leader, scholar, and cherished member of the Diné College community” and that he had been in the final stages of a Social Justice PhD program at Arizona State University.

President Buu Nygren issued a statement calling Jim “more than a public servant. He was a visionary leader, a protector of Diné language and culture, a poet, educator, and Medicine Man who dedicated his life to the wellbeing of the Navajo people.” Nygren added, “Rex Lee Jim’s life was one of service, wisdom and compassion. His legacy will continue to inspire our Nation for generations,” and closed with “May the Holy People watch over him on his journey.”

Speaker Crystalyne Curley, speaking for the 25th Navajo Nation Council, extended formal condolences and highlighted Jim’s work in education and diplomacy: “On behalf of the 25th Navajo Nation Council, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of former Vice President Rex Lee Jim,” Curley said. “Among his great achievements, he leaves behind a legacy of strengthening Navajo education and furthering diplomacy for Indigenous Nations internationally. We pray that his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with our Creator.”

Born and raised in Rock Point, Arizona, Jim belonged to multiple Navajo clans. Diné College and the Tribal College Journal identify his clan as KinŁichíi’nii (Red House People) and note he was born for the Táchii’nii (Red Streak Running into Water People). Native News Online renders the clan name as Kin Łichíi’nii and lists his maternal grandfather as Kin Yaa’áanii (Towering House People) and his paternal grandfather as Naakaii Diné’e or Naakaii Diné’é (Mexican People).

Jim served on the 21st Navajo Nation Council from 2003-2011 and as vice president from 2011-2015 alongside President Ben Shelly, Diné College and Native News Online report. Tribal College Journal and Diné College list Jim’s fluency and literacy in Navajo, English, and Spanish, and they cite his work in conflict resolution, curriculum and program development, policy development and fundraising.

The 25th Navajo Nation Council, as reported by Native News Online, credited Jim with international engagement, saying he “supported Indigenous communities globally through diplomatic engagement with the United Nations and as a representative of the Carter Foundation,” helped strengthen relationships with Indigenous nations in Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, and “contributed to drafting the International Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

The family hosted a memorial gathering Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Rock Point Chapter House in Rock Point, Arizona, Diné College said. For those who wish to offer support, Diné College provided a Zelle number, 928-245-7002, for monetary donations and listed Chris Burnside as the college’s Marketing and Communications Manager reachable by phone at 928.724.6695.

Tri-City Record published coverage of Jim’s death and the ensuing public condolences on Feb. 27, 2026, and multiple tribal and higher-education outlets reproduced the Diné College and Office of the President statements honoring his life of service.