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
Bruce & Vicky Ng says:
November 22, 2019
Bruce, Vicky and our children Alvin, Christina, and Shrah send our deepest condolences. James has been a wonderful friend for over 50 years and he will be greatly missed by all of us. May James now rest in peace and his soul will live on in our collective fond memory of him.
Donald J. Evans says:
November 24, 2019
Hello, Hello Sabrina,
Terrific obituary for Jim; so glad you were able to spend 52 wonderful years together. I recall our first meeting, you & I, when I was your pickup partner in a Contract Bridge game in Honolulu more than 20 years ago; we did very well as I recall. I believe I met Jim that very same week; great guy, he will be missed.
My most sincere condolences,
Don Evans
Don Shapiro says:
November 25, 2019
On behalf of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, I’d like to express condolences to Sabrina and family. Jim was one of the most active members of the Chamber during the time he was living in Taiwan. He served on the Board of Governors for six years and as Chairman in 1991 and 1992. Because of his warm personality, he was chosen three times to be the emcee of the Christmas Ball. He made a great contribution to the American business community, and I’m sure would take pride in knowing that the organization he was so dedicated to has continued to thrive.
Ineke van der Vegt says:
November 28, 2019
Hello Sabrina,
May you be consoled by many happy memories.
My sympathy, Sabrina, to you and all your family.
I hope you stay well.
Kindest regards from Ineke van der Vegt
Nuenen, Holland
Maria Yu says:
December 20, 2019
Dearest Sabrina
Nothing can express my deepest sorrow of Jim’s passing, my heart is simply broken at this news. I remember when I first met him 52 years ago in Taipei, such a wonderful person with big smile and loving laughter. I shall miss him dearly. With much love and deepest sympathy. Maria