James Francis O’Hearn
Passed: November 14, 2019
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James Francis O’Hearn
Passed: November 14, 2019
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/).
32 responses to James Francis O’Hearn
Peter Banko says:
November 21, 2019
Dear Sabrina, Kevin & Claudine,
Pari and I were stunned to receive the news of Jim’s passing. We are deeply sorry for your loss. As you grieve, please know that we will always remember and honor him as a leader of the business community in Taiwan and will be forever grateful that he was my mentor and friend. He captivated everyone with his wonderful smile, sense of humor, optimism and great stories. Dear Sabrina, our hearts are with you and your family. We wish you comfort and peace in your memories of this kind and remarkable man, husband, father and friend.
With sincere condolences,
Peter & Pari Banko
marinus van gessel says:
November 21, 2019
A life well lived. My condolences to the family of a respected and good friend.
Marj and Joe Motheral says:
November 21, 2019
Our friendship with Jim goes back over 30 years and while we are heartbroken, the memories of our times together with him and Sabrina will linger forever. Jim’s laughter could crack open smiles from everyone; his patented rendition of Danny Boy touched feelings and emotions. We used to play golf together and had memorable days on the tennis court. And to be together with Sabrina (Kiddo) and Jim was always the fulfillment of pleasure. Our Taiwan Tiger reunions have lost a vital member. We extend our love and heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Jim’s family–one of his deepest treasures.
Henry Collins says:
November 26, 2020
With apologies for this rather indirect and unusual means of contacting you, I wonder if you might be related to Joe R and Verna Motheral. I am the son-in-law of Fletcher Riggs (since 1970), who worked in USAID as an ag economist with Joe in Korea in the late ’60s. Through that connection, and as a result of Fletcher’s several moves and associated downsizing of belongings before his death in 2019, my wife and I came into possession of a painting by Verna that we would like to return to her family. If this is indeed connected to you, please be in touch. We live in Reston, VA, by the way.
Margie Van Swearingen says:
November 21, 2019
We shall miss seeing Jim with his big smile of greeting and fun-loving personality, here in Hawaii.
What an extraordinary man who made such a positive difference in this world.
Our sincere condolences to you, Sabrina, and family.
With fond aloha,
Margie and Buck Van Swearingen
Bev and Ian Pocinwong says:
November 21, 2019
Our hearts go out to you Sabrina and to your family. We miss Jim’s “Danny Boy”, his smile, and his laugh.
With deepest sympathy.
Ian and Bev