Jim Wong-Chu, January 28, 1949 - July 11, 2017
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.
Anne Tait, producer
Iron Road
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,
ANNE TAIT
June 16, 2021 | TORONTO, ON | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
cole
June 15, 2021 | Sister
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
Eric L.
January 28, 2021 | Friend
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
October 11, 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.
Hyemi Song
September 05, 2017 | Seoul/Korea
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September 05, 2017 | /Korea
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.
Lee Maracle
August 08, 2017 | Vancouver, BC
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.
Phil Chow
August 07, 2017 | Richmond, BC
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
Andrea Reimer
July 31, 2017 | Vancouver, BC