Obituary

On November 14, 2019, James Francis O’Hearn, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at age 84.

“Jim” was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on November 5, 1935 to Francis H. and Eileen F. O’Hearn. He graduated from Bridgewater Teachers College, and after starting his teaching career in Massachusetts, he taught in Japan, where he also attended Sophia University. After a few years of teaching, Jim embarked on a long and distinguished career as an executive in the industrial metal and chemical sectors. His desire to experience the world was evident throughout his working life, with extended overseas postings to Hong Kong, Singapore, Belgium, and Taiwan. The professional achievement of which he was most proud was his role in entering the China market in the early 1970s, years ahead of many competitors.

It was in Hong Kong that he met the love of his life, Sabrina Sieley Hu, to whom he would remain married for the rest of his life, over fifty-two years. Those who were close to Jim knew him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was also known for his ability to make friends everywhere he went, and those friends often heard his instantly recognizable laugh, or his spontaneous renditions of “Danny Boy.” Others knew Jim from his service to the community, whether it was as a long-standing volunteer at Saint Christopher’s Catholic Church, or as a leader in the American Chamber of Commerce or at the American Club in China. Jim and Sabrina often played bridge together, traveling to tournaments – both are bridge life masters. Jim was also keen about maintaining his fitness, playing tennis and golf regularly over many years. In retirement, Jim and Sabrina lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Surprise, Arizona, where they continued to make many close friends. All these things – together with knowing how to live well (in the best sense of the phrase) – kept him positive, and gave him a great will to live throughout a twenty-two year battle with cancer.

Jim is survived by his wife Sabrina, children Kevin (Anthea) in Hong Kong, and Claudine (Romesh) in New York, four grandchildren, older sister Angela and younger brother Charles in Massachusetts.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 9728 W. Palmeras Drive, Sun City West, AZ  85373.  Burial will be at the York Cemetery and Funeral Centre in North York, Ontario, Canada.   In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Hospice of the Valley (https://hov.org/) or St. Mary’s Food Bank (https://www.firstfoodbank.org/).