Jimmy Lam

Jimmy Ming Lam Sept. 1, 1930 - Jan. 30, 2011 Jimmy Ming Lam, at the age of 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Stockton, California on January 30, 2011. Born in San Francisco, a third child of seven, he graduated in 1948 from Lowell High School and worked a summer part time job at Brentwood Daylite Market, which later became the Centro Mart chain. At age 21, he was a store manager and by 1985, he became President and CEO of the supermarket chain where he retained the spirit of the store motto, "Where Savings and Service Make the Difference". Most recently he served as Chairman of the Board for Centro Mart. He was actively involved in the Stockton community as a founding member of the Stockton 49er Gold Rushers Booster Club and a significant contributor to the Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton, amongst several other non-profit organizations. Jimmy won many awards for his contributions in the community and business, including his induction into the Sales Managers' Hall of Fame in 2003. He served on the Board of Directors for several companies in Northern California. Jimmy was a charismatic, generous man, who had a passion for life. As he often mentioned, his three loves were his family (especially Mary, his wife), the 49ers and Centro Mart. Jimmy is survived by his remarkable and devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Ng Lam, his children: Tricia (Thomas Heenan) Lam of Laguna Beach, Ken (Diane) Lam of Stockton, Ron (Michelle) Lam of Simi Valley, and his six cherished grandchildren: Ashley, Ryan, Jaclyn, Garrett, Jake and Brianna. He also leaves behind his siblings: John (Lil) Lam, William (Lucy) Lam, Lil Lai, David (Margaret) Lam, and Jong Lam, all residing in Northern California. Jimmy is preceded by his brother George (Lil) Lam. The family invites you to join them in the Celebration of Life memorial service for Jimmy Lam will be held next Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Noon (12:00 pm), at Morris Chapel on the Campus of University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California 95211. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jimmy Ming Lam to the American Diabetes Association, 4600 Roseville Road, Suite 130, North Highlands, California 95660. Please sign the guest book online at www.cherokeememorial.com