Jim Ong

A native of Phoenix, Jim Ong, Jr. was born on September 17, 1928 and passed away on September 2, 2022-- living to the good age of 93. As the eldest son of Ong F. Thing (Jim) and Wong Shee (Lucy), Jim’s earliest memories were of working long hours in the family run grocery store-- Jim Ong’s Market, stocking grocery store shelves and butchering meat for customers.

Jim attended Phoenix College and then graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He became an electrical engineer working for the U.S. Government at Parker-Davis Project and eventually was a manager at San Carlos Irrigation Project in Coolidge, Arizona.

He also answered the call of duty and honorably served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 at the end of the Korean War. During that time, he served in Germany and was involved in military intelligence. One of Jim’s proudest duties was to serve as the long-time Commander of the American Legion Thomas Tang Post 50 in Phoenix. Through the years, Jim worked with the Thomas Tang Post 50 to recognize countless veterans for their brave and honorable service and many students received support and scholarships for their community service.

Jim was a loving husband of 31 years, married to Gloria. He is survived by his son Jeffrey Ong, his daughter-in-law Jeannie Ong, and his brother George Ong, and many other loving family relatives.

Through the years, Jim enjoyed many hours of woodworking in his home carpentry shop, building bookshelves for his family home and kitchen cabinets for a custom built Chinese kitchen. He was always the handyman, repairing anything around the house and at many of his family member’s homes. He was always a loyal ASU alumni, enjoying ASU football games and watching Suns basketball games from the comforts of home. He will fondly be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Greenwoodmemorylawn.com for the Ong family. Donations can be made to Northwest Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix.