JAMES YEE

James L. Yee Born December 1921 in Toysan County, Guangdong Province, China, and passed away on June 24th, 2012. Jimmy immigrated to the United States, arriving in Seattle in 1937. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio until enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was a decorated veteran while serving in the European Theatre Operations under General George Patton. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Seattle and married his wife Helen in 1947. He is survived by his wife Helen, three children, son John Yee and daughters Carolyn Yee and Linda Yee Hayashi and son-in-law Spencer Hayashi. He is also survived by his elder sister, Mrs. Chui Kim Tham, brother Henry Yee, and cousins Suey Yee and Mei Louie of Seattle, in addition to many close cousins, nieces and nephews from Canada, Ohio, Hawaii, New York, California and Hong Kong. Jimmy's family moved to Tacoma in 1950, where he opened the Golden Dragon Café in partnership with his good friend Takayoshi Takato. In 1952 he was joined in partnership at the Cafe with his sister Nancy and brother-in-law George Fong. In 1971, he opened Jimmie Yee's Restaurant in Lakewood, Washington. The restaurant was a lively gathering place for many old and new friends, and often featured performer Jerry Sun and his Las Vegas show revue. During the 1980s, he joined the Pederson Fryer Farms, selling food products to many Asian restaurants in the Puget Sound region until he reached retirement. Jimmy was deeply devoted to his family and established many lasting friendships throughout his life. He enjoyed good food, travel, and was an accomplished chef and quick to share his restaurant skills with family members and employees, mentoring many of them so that they could start their own restaurants. He was extremely proud of his Chinese heritage and traditions but also very proud to be an American and will be greatly missed by his loving family. Funeral arrangements are coordinated by Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, located at 1732 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2012 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Memorial service will be held at Bonney-Watson on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Burial service will follow immediately at Lake View Cemetery.