Robert Ja Obituary

Robert Ja Bob was a loving husband for 50 years to Diana, treasured father of Nicole and Daniele Ja and her husband Val Huang to whom he was incredibly devoted to, and special grandfather of Ethan and Kyle Huang whom he cherished. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his Hillsborough home of 30 years on Tues., Dec. 28, 2010 at the age of 75. His family includes Richard and his wife Patsy, Pauline and her husband Dr. Gary Lee, Jeanette and her husband Werner Yee, his beloved nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He lived his extraordinary life within a loving circle of family and friends, respected and adored by all. Bob was born in Chinatown, SF to the late Wing Oy and Fay Lin Ja on Nov. 17, 1935. He lived his life with vivaciousness. He fulfilled his joy of flying planes as a commercial pilot for 27 years, retiring as a Captain for Northwest Airlines. He loved to travel and share the wonders of the world with Diana and his girls. He is remembered for his zest for life, bright spirit, and courage. He transformed life's most difficult challenges into opportunities for demonstrating the human capacity for selfless love, joy, laughter, and connection. A celebration of Bob's life will be at 12 noon on Sun., Jan. 2, 2011 at Sneider & Sullivan, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. Donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the Stanford Cancer Center or the Coyote Point SPCA.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 31, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ja

16 Entries

Julie Clark

December 26, 2022

With still very fond memories of my fellow co-worker, pilot and good friend. Robert. "You" will ALWAYS be remembered. We were good friends during the best of times in our airline flying careers. I always enjoyed flying with you during my early years at Hughes Airwest as your First Officer on the DC-9 out of SFO. Then we all became Republic/Northwest and stayed good friends!!
RIP my dear admired friend!
Capt. Julie Clark (NWA ret)

Julie Clark

December 26, 2020

Remembering Bob this year as one of the nicest gentleman I ever had the privilege to fly with during our airline careers.

June Farrelk

December 25, 2020

I flew with Bob for many years, he was kind funny and respectful. Always loved to fly with him. It was a pleasure to know and fly with him. He was a true Gentleman ♥♥♥

June Finley Farrell

December 28, 2019

It was so nice to fly with Bob, we all loved him he was one of the good guys. So happy and nice. Good Bless your family. June Finley Farrell

January 13, 2011

Bob was a collegue whose constant smile and intelligent conversation made your day a little brighter. He was an esteemed pilot. More importantly, he was a devoted husband and father. He was simply a very good man, and his airline friends repected him beyond measure. Sincere symypathy to the family he loved so much. Mike Lenihan

Angela Santos

January 5, 2011

Being Nicole's friend, I met her father only once briefly on a visit, but remember how content he seemed to have his family all around him. He and his wife seemed to love every minute of life. He leaves a bright legacy in Nicole, and his family. God Bless.

John Crable

January 3, 2011

This is truly sad news for many of us who shared a personal and a professional relationship with Bob. Bob's caring, positive attitude went a long way with all of those that he came in contact with. He will certainly be missed by all of us whose lives he graced.

Julie Clark

January 3, 2011

With great sadness I morn the loss of a great long-time friend, Bob. I spent several years as his F/O on the DC-9 in SFO for Hughes Airwest, but many years after that as a fellow friend and pilot with him at NWA. I will miss his smiling face, and graciousness at the RW reunuions.
Julie Clark
fellow Capt. (ret)

January 2, 2011

I remember Bob Ja as a great pilot and a fun, great person to fly with. I knew Bob as a pilot and also remember how he spoke of his family and how important they were in his life. I remember Bob talking about his girls who were tennis players, and how he enjoyed playing and teaching them. Bob was always a kind, gentle and caring person. He was a great to work with and a great pilot who always supported is crew. He will be sadly missed by all, because he made a difference and was a good person.

Willa Polk
Flight Attendant, Northwest Airlines
[email protected]

January 2, 2011

Bob was always in a great mood. I really enjoyed flying with him.Bob only knew me as another co-pilot at the time but I always admired his positive outlook on life,and I carried that attitude with me no matter how many things went negative in the airline.Thank you Bob for..... for being you!!!!
God Bless,
Stephen R. Bozec Retired Captain Hughes Airwest,Republic,Northwest
Airlines

Victor Jew

January 1, 2011

Sadly we send our sympathy for the loss of Bob. Our families have been friends and neighbors that extend over 70 years and 4 generations. I will always remember what a fine athlete he was at San Mateo High School and continued those accomplishments throughout his life. Bob's enthusiasm and spirit for life will be missed by all that knew him. We wish the family comfort.
Sincerely, Victor Jew and family

Norman & Jadine Owyang

January 1, 2011

Bob was our long-time friend from child-hood from the time our families were neighbors. How fortunate we were. We wish the family comfort and peace.

june farrell

January 1, 2011

Bob was one of the nicest, kindess men I have ever know. I feel lucky and proud I was able to fly with him in the good old days. God Bless you and your family.
June Farrell Flt. Att.

January 1, 2011

JA Family. Bob was and will always be one of My Favorite Pilots at Hughes Airwest and Northwest.. A true GENTLEMAN ! My HEART is Broken...
Fondly, Pam Lamberti, Flt Att

Victor Jew

January 1, 2011

Sadly we send our sympathy for the loss of Bob. Our families have been friends and neighbors that extend over 70 years and 4 generations.
I will always remember what a fine athlete he was at San Mateo High School and continued those accomplishments throughout his life. Bob's enthusiasm and spirit for life will be missed by all that knew him. Sincerely, Victor Jew and family

Gerrie nixon

December 31, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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