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Jim Wong-Chu Obituary
With great sadness we announce the passing of Jim Wong-Chu on July 11, 2017. Jim suffered a massive stroke and battled valiantly for four months. He was a loving husband, stepdad, uncle, mentor, and friend. He is survived by wife Marlene, stepdaughter Debbie, sisters Margaret, Anna, and Rose, brothers Peter, Thomas, and Francis, many beloved nephews and nieces, and mother Sui Tung Chu. Jim was born in Hong Kong and brought to Canada as a Paper Son at the age of 4. He wore many hats: waiter, BC Ferries employee, and longtime Canada Post employee. His true passion, however, lay with the Chinese community as he worked tirelessly to have Chinese history accepted as part of Canadian history. Jim will be remembered as a renowned photographer, historian, editor, writer, radio program producer, and community builder. As co-founder of the Asian Canadian Writers Workshop and Rice Paper magazine, his goal was to have at least one Asian writer published every year, and he developed the Emerging Writers Award to assist new writers. Several of the writers he mentored have gone on to win prestigious literary prizes. His book, Chinatown Ghosts, was one of the first books of poetry published in Canada by a Chinese author. He was also a co-founder of Asian Heritage month and produced "Go for Broke," a variety show with an all Asian cast. While Jim himself was the recipient of many awards, his goal was always to see others succeed. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date TBA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
32 Entries
Anne Tait, producer<br /> Iron Road
ANNE TAIT
June 16, 2021
dear Jim was our tireless researcher on the feature film IRON ROAD www.ironroadthemovie.com
I remember long meetings and even longer papers that he sent us that gave depth to our story.
He was committed to honouring the Chinese railroad workers, and to recovering their bones. A wonderful guy!
Anne Tait, producer,
cole
June 15, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Eric L.
January 28, 2021
2021, Happy Birthday Jim! This year Google joined to celebrate you.
For all our friends please visit Google homepage (and Google doodle January 28th) and Youtube video "Who was Jim Wong-Chu?" to see the amazing work they have constructed for Jim.
Miss you much!
Eric
October 11, 2017
Jim - your research was very valuable to our film IRON ROAD. Your vast knowledge of the Chinese experience in North America and your desire to spread that knowledge was infectious. Through your meetings with our screenwriter, you enhanced the IRON ROAD story and gave it authenticity. Through your sharp poems and the films you contributed to, you live on, Jim...
with appreciation, ANNE TAIT, producer www.ironroadthemovie.com
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Hyemi Song
September 5, 2017
I know you were a strong person,
You changed the world and people.
You made better life. Thank you.
Your people will make it better what you wanted.
September 5, 2017
. . ,, . , .
Lee Maracle
August 8, 2017
Dear Jim, You have by now reached your destination in the sky world and the rest of us here are struggling with your loss. I want to say Haz'q'a siem for all you did with and for Indigenous people and writers in Canada. You were the kind of Citizen that could make this country great. I hope there are young people out there ready to pick your standard, Lee Maracle, family and friends.
Phil Chow
August 7, 2017
I was shocked to learn at recent Powell Street Festival that Jim was gone. We had ran into each last Nov and he was enjoying his retirement. He did a lot for the community. Gone much too soon. My condolences.
Andrea Reimer
July 31, 2017
Rest In Peace Jim. You poured so much lifeblood into Vancouver. You gave so many people the space to find their voice. I am grateful for the fierce kindness, the passion, the vision you brought to your work and the possibilities you created for so many. My condolences to your family and large community of loved ones
July 27, 2017
I have known, respected and admired Jim since the early 1980's, as a friend, community organizer, historian, photographer, poet and collector, editor and publisher of Asian-Canadian literature. He came to Ottawa in December 1987 to read from his book of Chinese-Canadian poetry, Chinatown Ghosts, and returned in February 1992 to read from the anthology of Chinese-Canadian writings he co-edited, Many-Mouthed Birds. Both readings were memorable as they exposed the audience to the eloquent and touching works of emerging Asian-Canadian writers, many of whom are household names today. Jim's energy and influence will live on in the words of many current and new writers.
Robert Yip, Ottawa
A Mighty Long Road
Michael Hawes
July 25, 2017
A Sharp-Dressed Man
July 25, 2017
Jim's Retirement Day at Mountainview
Michael Hawes
July 25, 2017
John Shayler
July 24, 2017
I did not know Jim, but I know from others he was a gifted mentor, a wise man and a person who will be missed by all those who knew him and by the City of Vancouver.
RODD LEW
July 24, 2017
Marlena I was honored to be invited by Faye Leung to the Ping Pew dinner at the Floata restaurant and humbled to be in the presence of. Faye Leung Elwin and his wife Sid Chow Tan his two daughters and seated next to Mr.Chu and yourself was a awe struck and fun evening for me. Mr. Chu's Memories Lifestyle and Accomplishments are historical and i thank you for the opportunity to have met you both.My condolences to you and Debbie
Joyce Lam
July 22, 2017
Jim was a man with a vision to promote Asian identity. He believed in my dreams and encouraged me to produce my first Asian Comedy Night which led to the founding of The Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (VACT) and to the making of the first Canadian musical production of the Chinese Head Tax (Red Letters). Thank you Jim for your endless generosity and wisdom. I will miss you terribly and you will be remembered forever by the many you touched.
Thinking of you Marlene and your heart break of losing your beloved husband.
Michael Hawes
July 19, 2017
: Jimmy, you taught me that there is no substitute for hauling water and chopping wood, that its never too late to start and to constantly seek smarter ways to do it. To describe the landscapes we soared over thirty years of conversation would be impossible - but I'll try. My sympathy to Marlene, Debbie, your family and all the people you deeply touched. Rest easy and I'll see you when I get there.
Linda Point(nee Wong)
July 19, 2017
Thank you Jim for being a wonderful mentor, and foodie explorer extraordinaire.
So sorry Marlene and Jim's extended family for your loss. Thank you Marlene for sharing Jim with us and your house, your space, your food, and your wonderful wry humour through all the invasions at your home.
Faye Leung
July 18, 2017
Dear Jim Wong-Chu now "JUST AWAY" in God's Paradise in Heaven his spirit shine upon Marlene et al and us good friends lives forever in our hearts valued treasure cherished. Forever lovingly Loved,Forever Remembered Jim's Greatness. Thanks zillion Jim your heartily supportively strength insisted wants my 3 Stories Books published, video produced for future generations knowledge in hard copies you've instructed me on Feb. 10/17 & you on 2/14/17 sent me to distribute your letter you've wrote as my introduction & reference letter is must do so, I shall do In Your Honor huge appreciation your generosities, strong caring loving supports as I'll remember all your advisory words always as you wanted me do for all of as its Happened to get it out of my head stories, as you in YOUR UNIQUE WAY greatly has done for all of us. Your efforts for Community recognitions, also changed refer as Orientals to Asians among many of your greatness, compassionate passion with a flair. God Bless Jim Wong-Chu Noble Sparkling Soul.God Bless Marlene, Debbie, Sisters Brothers & Families. Deepest Condolence. God Bless All Good Fortune Faye Leung 7, 17, 17
Evelyn Lau
July 18, 2017
Jim, I will always remember your kindness, your dedication and your huge heart. Marlene, you took such incredible care of him - he knew he was loved.
Faye Leung
July 18, 2017
Dear Jim Wong-Chu no "JUST AWAY" in God's Paradise in Heaven his spirit shine upon Marlene et al and us good friends lives forever in our hearts. Forever lovingly Loved,Forever Remembered Jim's Greatness. Thanks zillion Jim supportively wants my 3 Stories Books published, video produced for future generations knowledge in hard copies Feb. 10/17 you instructed & you 2/14/17 wrote my introduction & reference letter must do so, shall do in your Honor in appreciation your generous, strong caring loving sparkling soul for all of us, Chinese Community recognition & changed calls Orientals to Asians among many of your greatness. God Bless Jim Wong-Chu Noble Compassionate passion Soul with a Flair! God Bless Marlene, Debbie, Sisters Brothers & Families. My Condolence Love Faye Leung 7, 17, 17
Ada Con
July 18, 2017
Deepest sympathies to Marlene, and to all Jim's family members. Jim will be missed, he did so much for the literary community locally and nationally. He will be remembered by all at ACWW and LIterAsian Festival. Rest in peace Jim.
Eric Li
July 18, 2017
Jim
This candle represents the light you shared with me during nights when I sought for moonlight and found none. You shared your flame and guided me with your wisdom. My spiritual path direction is because of your light. Jim this candle is for you and yours. Thank you eternally.
Rita Wong
July 17, 2017
Rest in Peace Jim. You are deeply loved and missed. Thank you for your incredible dedication to community, your huge generosity of spirit, all that you did to support Asian Canadian writing and culture -- in many ways, it was the ACWW, Jim's work, that drew me to the west coast more than 20 years ago. Love to Marlene, family, and everyone grieving now.
Bessie Chow
July 17, 2017
May his pioneering and inspiring leadership for Asian Canadian writers always be remembered and appreciated. Thank you, Jim.
Mary-Woo Sims
July 17, 2017
A generous man who always had a kind word of support for those who needed it. My thoughts are with your family and Jim, your contributions will never be forgotten.
Elizabeth Lee
July 17, 2017
Marlene so sorry for the loss of your husband. So devastated to hear of Jim's passing. I'll always remember down at Foo's Ho Ho his drop in visits his educating stories & remembering the way Chinatown was in the past. He will be missed by all who knew him. Take care Marlene
Allan Cho
July 17, 2017
I will miss Jim a lot. He was like a father to me. Not only me, but many of those who sought direction and even sometimes, answers, to life. He recounted once when he was young himself that a fortune teller told him that he could be very rich, but would have to die young. He chose the other path, where he shared his wealth with his friends and strangers who came along his path, and shared his passion for community. He gave me the greatest gift of all: his time. Thanks Jim, for your wisdom and the memories you've given me.
Sincerely yours,
Allan
Eric Li
July 17, 2017
Jim.
Many cry many times and this will continue because you are loved.
May the tears we shed accumulate into a river of comforting goodness (healing). Through this river we can travel the stream to help whoever needing a lift towards their dream. To further your work and your love of many things I will do my best - keeping you close as my forever guide.
Marlene and Debbie, I am at their service if needed. Farewell Jim with all my heart soul, my oneness with love.
Terry Watada
July 17, 2017
I was shocked and then saddened by the news of Jim's passing. He was a great man, and I don't use the word lightly. There are so few in the world today. In the next there are multitudes and I'm sure Jim is rising among them.
All the compassion and love for Marlene and family.
Pat Stephenson
July 17, 2017
Marlene, Thinking of you during this difficult time. Jim will leave a void in all lives he touched, however, he also leaves us with many fond memories. May Jim rest in peace and continue being a shining star in our lives. Lots of hugs, Pat
Ler Maracle
July 17, 2017
hayz'qa siem Jim for your love and support of Indigenous people
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