Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Wong Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Wong
Sponsored by the Wong Family.
Pauline Cheung
April 4, 2006
In the quiet moments, praying the comfort and healing of gracious Lord give you peace and strength. May the beauty of cherished memories of your father live in your heart.
Tia Kilpatrick
October 27, 2005
Although I've never had the pleasure or the honor of meeting Mr. Wong, my association with his eldest son Jeff has lead me to believe he must have been a conscientious and caring person as well as a technologically gifted person. Though these attributes might seem incongrous they stick out in my mind when I think of Jeff. Jeff and I have a weekly appointment and although his time is limited he has always patiently listened as I struggle with my own grief having lost my dad less than four months ago. I've always appreciated Jeff's easy personality and am in constant amazement with his up-to-date computer savvy. I especially appreciated Jeff's eulogy in which he said he looked forward to seeing his dad in Heaven; as I look forward to the day when I can hug and kiss my own dad, Terry Kilpatrick (5/9/20-7/13/05), again. God Bless your family and may his blessings ease the pain of your loss.
Davies Wu
August 25, 2005
James Wong was a very good man. I enjoyed conversations with him each time I visited the store on Kearny St. He was very enthusiastic about sports. My condolences to his family.
Wiley Roberts
June 22, 2005
I remember meeting Mr. Wong for the first time at Jeff & Steve's store. As he shook my hand Steve said to him, "Dad, he's a comedian". Although he flashed a huge smile I could still see the sincerity that he obviously raised his sons with. And guess what?! He didn't ask me to tell him a JOKE! What a relief!!! I rarely saw him after that but I always asked Steve or Jeff about him and upon recieving the news of his passing I knew that we wouldn't have to worry about his boys because HE GOT THE JOB DONE! As a father, a teacher, a friend.
Paul Clay
May 17, 2005
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!!!
Rob Carrol
May 11, 2005
Gentlepersons: It is with great sadness that I make the Carrol Family's entry in Jim's Guest Book as we have always held him in great esteem. Jim was one of my first acquaintances in SF after arriving here in 1977 as I was/am an inveterate runner and he was then the proprietor of the best running shoe shop in the SF Financial District on Kearny near my office at 650 California. He was a bright, dignified man who loved his family first, last and always and, even when I didn't need shoes, I'd stop in on just to say hello and hear the latest exploits of his sons, Jeff and Steve. I remember how excited he was for me when my eldest son, Coulton, was born and right up to the time of his stroke, he always asked about my children and wanted to make sure that I had my priorities straight namely, "family first". I also learned what a tiger he could be professionally when a business associate failed to honor his contract, a serious violation of his personal code of business ethics, and he asked me to represent him in order, in his words, "to teach them the difference between right and wrong". After we obtained an extremely favorable settlement in which Jeff and Steve were involved, he expressed his pleasure that this had been a "family victory". Those of you who know Steve and Jeff, know that they, too, are "family first" guys who observe strictly Jim's "business code of honor". . Indeed, I am comforted by the fact that Jim lives on in his sons and family which lessens somewhat the pain we have all experienced due to his sudden departure. As we continue along our personal journeys, may we recognize what an honor it was to have known this fine man and pay him the utmost posthumous respect by continuing to keep his memory and his family in our hearts. God bless, Rob
Jeff Y. Wong
May 10, 2005
the Eulogy
“FATHERS ARE PRECIOUS and they are often not fully appreciated until they are gone.”
My brother, Steve and I grew up in a very typical Chinese home. Dad worked and mom fed us and got us to school and back. Every night the entire family ate dinner together. And on the weekends we always spent time together. One my fondest memories growing up were those of our family regularly playing sports together at North Beach playground (on the concrete jungle). Our dad was always there for us and always around. He taught us the value of family and friends. He taught us respect and honor. He taught us to always strive for excellence. He taught us how to give. He gave us everything we could need growing up.
As a child I played with Topp’s baseball trading cards. Back then along with 10 trading cards, the package contained a stick of hard pink bubblegum. I remember that one of the first things I gave dad was a stick of pink bubblegum. It made me smile to know that I could give him something after all he had given to me.
My dad, James Y. Wong, (Wong Jum), or Jimmy to his friends left China in 1950 and came to America when he was but a young teen-ager with a half-empty suitcase. I remember when he told me the customs agent who inspected the contents of his luggage laughed out loud at him because it was the suitcase so empty. “Hey, there’s nothing in here!” he quipped.
Like many new immigrants to America, he came to the Gold Mountain to make a better life. But he never forgot those whom he left behind. He brought his mother and eldest sister over from China when it became possible. Like I have already mentioned, he valued family very much. I remember growing up in the Sunset district with grandma & grandpa living our house!
Even when we moved out of the North Beach/Chinatown area, dad always kept in touch with his friends in the “hood.” As an athlete, coach, businessman and community leader Wong Jum always gave back to the neighborhood he grew up in. An avid volleyball player and coach, he contributed to developing and guiding many younger players. Some of who are sitting here with us today.
As a young man Uncle Sam called Jimmy’s number and selected him to serve in America’s armed forces – the U.S. ARMY. My dad was a trained paratrooper and expert rifleman. He gave back to his adopted country like he gave back to his community – with the same passion and kick-ass attitude.
In 1961, Jimmy Wong met and married my mother Jean Der in Canada. I was born less than a year later! Kind of impatient, you think! My brother came a few years after me. Steve claims that mom and dad stopped having kids once they finally got it right.
Our dad used to say quite often, “it’s time to do something ugly” when it was an occasion to get serious and “go for it.” Whether it was conducting business or playing sports, that competitive spirit was always balanced with a gentle kindness if it involved our family. I always knew that as long as I gave my best effort, it would be alright with my dad.
For 20 years he owned and operated an athletic shoe store in addition to his 9-5 job. The first store was located just outside of Chinatown, on the edge of the financial district in SF. This is where he met and befriended a lot of fellow athletes and coaches. A natural born people person, he made as many friends as he sold shoes.
My dad’s longest relationship besides his marriage to my mom was his employment at Bechtel Corporation. My dad worked there as a civil engineer for 35 years. It was at Bechtel that he met a tremendous group of people. No one like Tiger Woods or Mother Teresa, but people like Wally Bodeck. WHO? You may ask? Wally was one of my dad’s dearest friends. Two things my dad and Wally had in common were equal passions for good food and a good laugh. Dad always had a ravenous appetite and a yearning to try different kinds of food. Wally recently showed me photos of some of the “Fear Factor” kinds of things that were consumed during a joint trip to China. Yuck! Adventures in the name of gourmet dining!
Over the past five years, both mom and dad spent quite a bit of time at the Stonestown YMCA Senior Center. Food, exercise, and friends. Three habitual themes in my dad’s life. He had lunch at the Y and participated in several fitness programs. He and mom made some very good friends there too.
Several years ago my dad prayed with my pastors (Dr. Jeff Louie & Pastor Will Ping) and me to ask Jesus into his life. Last week he reaffirmed his faith with Pastor Jerry Wong from our church.
My mom told me that just before my dad breathed his last breath that his eyes grew extra wide. I know in my heart that he recognized his Lord Jesus and was meeting him now to go to heaven together.
Wong Jum aka Jimmy Wong loved life. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his passion for people. As his spouse, his children, his grandchildren, his family, and his friends will attest, James Y. Wong gave us a legacy of strong family worthiness and dedication. I look at my two sons today and thank my dad from my heart that he taught me this.
I will rejoice even more on that day when I see my dad face-to-face again in Heaven. I know my dad has a good seat saved for our family at the huge Chinese banquet in the sky.
Thank you and may God Bless.
Lydia Ng
May 8, 2005
My uncle Jim was a wonderful man with the most generous heart. He was a dedicated and hard working husband, father, grandfather, uncle, business man, army veteran, coach and the list goes on... Even after I state all these things, there are no words to describe how amazing he was. God truely sent us an angel, but now it was this angel's time to go. I'm never going to say goodbye because goodbyes are for people who are never going to see one another again. This is more like a see you later. You will always live on in my heart.
Until we meet again
Buck Buchanan
April 27, 2005
I did not know Jim as well as I have come to know his son's and family. Jeff and Steve are the kind of people I model myself after and continue to instruct me. I offer the following words:
“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people, and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Paul Chapman
April 27, 2005
My families deepest sympathies go out to the Wong Ohana. We are greatly saddened by the loss of your wonderful father. His sons have honored his life by living theirs the way that they do. We are praying for you in your time of grief. Aloha, Paul Jeni and Mia Chapman
Emanuel "Book" Richardson
April 27, 2005
My thoughts,prayers,wishes and most of all my heart goes out to the Wong family. Steve, you and your family may have lost a father but you have gained a BROTHER!
Larry Hartford
April 27, 2005
I will always remember Jim as the bright and vibrant gentleman he was. His legacy lives on through his sons and family, and in the hearts of everyone he touched. Our sincere condolences to Jean, Jeff, Steve and family.
among students of the school he help build in China
Jeff Y. Wong
April 27, 2005
Bill Wakefield
April 26, 2005
I was saddened to read of Jim's death. He was always someone who brightened my day with enthusiasm, ideas and good wishes. My sincere sympathy to Jean, Jeff, Steve and their families.
paul hensleigh
April 26, 2005
Dear Jeff,
Thanks for the blessing you have been in my life. Also for sharing about your dad and his wonderful life.
Blessings to you and your family,
Paul Hensleigh, MD
Doug Letts
April 26, 2005
While I did not know James, I do know his son, Jeff. Only a great man and Father could instill such qualities in to such a fine young man. My heartfelt condolences to the Wong Family.
Maylane & Chong Wong & Family
April 26, 2005
To James Yuen Wong, our "Big Brother" and "Uncle Jim":
Like a lion you could roar,
Life a pussycat you could purr . . .
Generous and giving,
Laughing and living
Life to the full!
Only God your influence can measure
As family and friends lovingly treasure
The gift of your life.
May our Heavenly Father transform our sorrow
As we look ahead to that new tomorrow
When we will meet again . . .
And eat again together!
Yvonne Ng
April 24, 2005
We will always remember
How much he always gave.
His shy smile and hearty laughter
Lightened the moment.
We will miss him...
Until we meet again.
Steve Wong
April 21, 2005
On behalf of the Wong family, we want to say THANKS to everyone for their support, for remembering and honoring our father.
Jeff Y. Wong
April 15, 2005
Thank you for your prayers and support to the Wong Family.
Chinatown community leader
April 15, 2005
Wedding November 8, 1961
April 15, 2005
US ARMY paratrooper & expert rifleman
April 15, 2005
Hero
April 14, 2005
Robert Quan
April 14, 2005
Our hearts and prayers are with you & yours at this time.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in James Wong's name
Memorial Events
for James Wong
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Wong's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
