James "Uncle Jimmy" Mar

James "Uncle Jimmy" Mar

James Malcolm Mar was born in Seattle, Washington on July 11, 1914 and died peacefully on his 98th birthday, July 11, 2012 in Renton, Washington.

Before graduating from Garfield High School, James studied abroad in China and learned how to read and write in Chinese. Unbeknownst to him, these skills would play a major role in his life's work of service and helping others.

When the United States entered World War II, James was the first Chinese American to be drafted from Seattle in 1941. He served in the 56th Medical Battalion and was commissioned an officer in North Africa in 1942. He was a prisoner of war and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After 27 years of active and reserve duty, James retired as a Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army Reserve.

James was a noted community leader in the Seattle area. He served as president of the Jackson Street Community Center, the Mar Family Association, and the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. He was a commander and charter member of Cathay Post 186, a staff officer of the American Legion, and a member of Chong Wa Benevolent Association and the Nisei Veterans. James was also a second generation stockholder of the Kong Yick Investment Corporation and owner of Yick Fung Company, both of which were established in 1910.

Because of James's fluency in both English and Chinese, the US Government asked him to assist Chinese families with the burial arrangements for fallen Chinese American soldiers. Thus began another lifelong career for James as a funeral director for Butterworth-Arthur A. Wright Funeral Home, where he devotedly served the Chinese community for the past 65 years.

As a result of his varied experiences and commitment to helping others, he became an integral part of many families; thus, he fondly became known as "Uncle Jimmy" in the community.

James is survived by his wife Ida Sue Mar; his son Dr. Haydon Mar (Nancy), his daughters Cynthia Bridges (Leon), and Dorrienne Chinn (Tony); seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter; his younger sister Fannie Mar Chinn and sister-in-law Cecilia Mar Wong, extended family of nieces and nephews ,son-in-law Thomas Lee and was preceded in death by his daughter Serena Lee, his parents Henry and Lee Shee Mar Hing, his brothers Harry, Clarence, Howard, Philip and Leslie, and his sister Myra Mar Chin.

A celebration of James's life will be held on Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 a.m. at 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66 in Seattle, followed by burial at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Serena G. Lee Memorial Scholarship at South Seattle Community College or a charity of your choice.