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JAMES CHIAO

1927 - 2021

BORN

1927

DIED

2021

JAMES CHIAO Obituary


James Tse-Min Chiao  March 28, 1927 - June 3, 2021  
James Chiao passed away on June 3, 2021 in Shanghai, China. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. James left a mark on this world unlike most. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was an esteemed officer for the U.S. government for over 30 years. He and his cherished wife of 54 years, Karen, traveled the world together, changing the lives of everyone they met. He was the life of every party and the rock that held his family together. He will be remembered for his selflessness, charm, and commitment to what is right. James is survived by his daughter, Deborah, granddaughters, Lauren and Lindsay, and friends and family all over. Thank you for everything you've done for us, Bepa, we are better because of you and will carry you with us forever. A service will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 29, 2021.

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2 Entries

Hon & Vicki lee

June 6, 2022

We first met Jimmy and his beloved wife Karen in Asia over forty years ago. Our paths crossed several times years later in other parts of the world. Our lives were enriched with each encounter, always enjoying their engaging conversation and kindhearted personalities. Although we won´t be able to join the Chiao family in person this June 11th please know that we´ll be there in spirit to commemorate Jimmy´s remarkable life. He was a master calligrapher, an artist, and a scholar of Chinese classics. Jimmy was a true renaissance man who lived life to the fullest.

Lou and Cathy Ramirez

May 26, 2022

Our condolences to Jimmy´s large extended family and friends. We were lucky enough to meet Jimmy and Karen when they relocated to the west coast to be closer with family in mid 2008-2009. Jimmy and Karen were stationed in Rome at about the same time as my brother and we met them through him. Our dinner parties were always lively, covering a large number of subjects. Jimmy and Karen´s personal stories were fascinating. Their travel stories were not only interesting but sometimes hilarious. Jimmy had a wonderful sense of humor.

After Jimmy lost his dear Karen, he continued his interest in socializing with his family and friends. He also did a lot of traveling during that period of time. When Lindsay was in school at UCSD, she was Jimmy´s wheels. It was wonderful that she would drive Jimmy and join us for dinners. It was a treat to see how much they meant to each other. Jimmies daughter and granddaughters meant everything to him. He was very proud of all their accomplishments.

We talk about Jimmy often and miss him terribly. We are grateful for the friendship we had with both him and Karen.

Love to you all.
Lou and Cathy

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