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James Yuen Obituary
Aloha Oe. On Thursday, July 11, 2013, the Lord brought home Hawaii's native son, James Yuen. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 24, 1931, to Alice and Frank Yuen. The eighth of nine children he spent his youth learning the traditions and music of his Hawaiian and Chinese ancestors. He left his island home after proudly serving his country in the Korean War with the 7th Army as a combat MP, responsible for moving supplies to the front lines under cover of night. He was awarded 3 bronze stars and a national defense service medal while serving in active combat. He established new roots in Milwaukee earning his degree in electronics engineering at MSOE. As the founder of the Milwaukee May Day Lei Day celebration, he helped to bring the Aloha spirit to his extended Ohana in the Midwest. Jim's other passions included traveling to 5 of the 7 continents, a regular craps player in Vegas, golfing with family and friends, and a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. Jim will always be remembered for doing everything he could to make people happy through laughter. We will miss him dearly. He is survived by his devoted wife Joan; son, Stewart (Mary) Yuen; "favorite" daughter, Lisa (Mike) Wipper; grandsons, Benjamin (Mallorie) Yuen, and Sam Blood; granddaughters Marley Blood, Rachel Yuen, and Kyley Wipper, and great-granddaughter, Leilani Yuen. Jim is further survived by his siblings, Florence Parelius, Ethel (Alfred) Akana, Helen (Herman) Naki; brother-in-law Thomas (Marlene) Kowalsky; sisters-in-law, Irene Yuen, Lillian Yuen, Jeanne Yuen and Hazel Kowalsky; and dear friend, Roy Blood. He also has many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by his three brothers, one brother-in-law, and two sisters. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nurses who helped him enjoy life to the fullest during his 10 years as a cancer survivor.
Memorial gathering will be held on July 27, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2506 N. Wauwatosa Ave., (76th St.) from 9AM until time of Memorial Mass at 10:30AM. Hawaiian attire encouraged. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior's Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256: www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Yuen
Linda Yuen Gentry
August 8, 2013
To Aunty Joan & cousins,
It was always such a delight to see you guys in Hawaii, way back when we (children) were really just children. :)Lots of precious memories to hang on to. Uncle was always a very attentive Uncle. He took time to catch up with us on our lives whenever he came to visit. He listened with a genuine and encouraging heart. The most I always remember of him (as so many others have mentioned in this guestbook) was his wonderful smile! It was so contagious, always made you smile back! I think his smile was always a projection of his loving heart deep within! I'm sorry we didn't get to spend much time with any of you in the last 30+ years, but it does bring me joy to know Uncle Lummy is catching up with our mom, his sister, Alice Hui, on what's been happening with her since she moved to her eternal home, Heaven! They do look a lot alike here! Blessings & God's strength to you, Aunty Joan, Stewart, Lisa & children/grandchildren. Note too late to keep in touch, too :)
July 30, 2013
We are so sorry to hear about James passing. Our deepest sympathy. We remember James back in school days and at the lime house restuarant Hawaiian parties. James never had a negative words to say, always positive and warm. Much Aloha.
Sharon and Tom Furuta
July 27, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Though we have not seen Jimmy in many many years, we remember how he always smile welcomed you with a warm Hawaiian Ohana heart that glows to all.
Tom & Sharon Furuta
Tina G
July 27, 2013
Beautiful Joan, my thoughts and prayers are with you especially today. I can still hear him talking pidgin and laughing.
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Tana Petersdahlquist
July 26, 2013
Goodbye Mr. Yuen. It was nice knowing you and learning the hula. I am glad I got to know you and your family and I hope you bring a lot of your Hawiian spirit to share with Jesus.
Gina Keolanui (Steves)
July 25, 2013
Our deepest Aloha to Aunty Joan for the lost but wonderful life of Uncle Jimmy. He always brought a smile on my face and on my children's face. He is symbolic with HAPPINESS and we will greatly miss him.
From our ohana to yours Aunty Joan we love you...........
Kate Kohlbeck
July 24, 2013
Joan,
Jimmy (Kimo) was a fun guy who always cheered me up at the gym. I remember when I realized just how much he loved to gamble--I asked him about a recent trip to New Zealand and Australia--he said he enjoyed the casinos there! I couldn't believe he traveled all that way to such gorgeous places to spend time indoors gambling!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Aloha, Kimo.
Love, Kate Kohlbeck
Paul and Lee Snyder
July 23, 2013
Stew, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace.
Tim Smith
July 22, 2013
I only met Jim twice, once at a YMCA swim meet and another time after a day of fishing on Sturgeon Bay. On both of these occasions he was enjoying his grandchildren and he had the biggest smile on his face. I could tell that he was a man that truly loved and appreciated “family”. My prayers are with the Yuen's during this difficult time. May God bless you all.
David Falk
July 22, 2013
Stew, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. It is nice to remember he is in a better place.
Larry and Lynn Pekoe
July 22, 2013
Jim always had a smile on his face whenever we saw him! He was a brave man who lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Peace and prayers to you and your family.
Dr. Stuart Fine
July 21, 2013
Joan, Jimmy was a ray of sunshine and truly radiate the Aloha spirit. Please accept my heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Fran (Myszewski) Steinbrenner
July 21, 2013
Wonderful fun filled memories of pig roasts, singing and shows in our backyard with Jan Ishida dancing. Jimmy will be remembered in my prayers.
Rosi Hoak
July 20, 2013
My heart was greatly saddened and broken the day I found out Jim had left us. He always made me feel very special, and we anxiously awaited his palm birds every year. He delighted us with his stories of his angel encounters. It has been wonderful singing with him and his lovely bride Joan in my church choir the last few years.
Dick Smith
July 19, 2013
Stew, my fellow Tosa East classmate and co-worker, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless
Cathy Roldan
July 16, 2013
You are one of the pillars of our Ohana, Jimmy - we will miss you.
Tina Pawlitzky
July 16, 2013
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Jeff Helbing
July 15, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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