James Geen Kwock Leong

James Geen Kwock Leong, 71, died peacefully February 2, 2012 at his Fresno home. Born April 22, 1940 in Guangdong, China, he is the eldest son of Marvin Jin-Horn and Shew-Kew Leong. He immigrated with his parents from China following World War II to America. He grew up in Fresno, with his younger siblings, Linda and Dick. Attending San Joaquin Memorial High School, James led as class president and captain of the tennis team. James graduated from UC Berkeley with both a B.A. in Architecture. He also served his county in the US Army for 2 years as part of the 42nd Artillery. James married the true love of his life, Donna Kaye Lew, on March 26th, 1967. Together, they moved to New York, Oakland, San Diego and Fresno having a child in each city: Joshua David, Isaac Paul, Joel James, and Benjamin Thomas respectively. James was proud of his civic work for the community with NOAH and Habitat for Humanity which he worked with though his entire life. He provided his services to many places of worship for many faiths including Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, Sikhs and Buddhists. He loved and was loved by his entire family, being an active part of his children’s and grandchildren’s lives and winning Most Original Chili with his Grandsons at an Annual Chili Cook-Off. James loved tennis, the Cal Bears, and Architecture, but never more than the love he had for his family. James is survived by: Mother Shew-Kew Leong, Sister Linda, Brother Dick, four sons and their wives Joshua and Gina, Isaac and Joyce, Joel and Joanne, Benjamin and Claire, Grandchildren Andrew, James, Jason, Gabriella, and Melody.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Chinese Baptist Church 6080 N. Angus, Fresno, CA 93710.

Viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Funeral service First Chinese Baptist Church, on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at 11:00 am.Interment to follow at Belmont Memorial Park.