He was born on January 17, 1958 in Henan, China, to Zhengyu Jiang and Fulan Xu. He grew up supported by loving parents who worked tirelessly to provide for Mingxiang and his siblings. From an early age, he pursued educational opportunities with determination. He attended college at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, starting in 1977, where he excelled. He then completed his master’s degree in engineering at the Beijing Light Industry School (now Beijing Technology and Business University); after graduating, he stayed on as a faculty member.
Mingxiang first crossed paths with Yun Guo as classmates in college. Later, they were reconnected by dear friends and married in 1991. Soon after, he seized the opportunity to immigrate to the United States. He earned a scholarship to complete his PhD in engineering at Johns Hopkins University. While in Baltimore, they welcomed their first daughter, Irene.
In Illinois, Mingxiang found fulfilling work at Caterpillar, and the family welcomed a second daughter, Gina. Over the next 28 years, he built a beautiful life for his family in the Peoria-Dunlap area. He took great satisfaction in applying his engineering skills to building and fixing things around the house, caring for the yard, and planting flowers with his cherished wife. He planned family vacations and road trips to beautiful places, especially national parks. He developed a love and competitive spirit for golf, alongside close friends. He was active in the Peoria Chinese Christian Church and a pillar of the local Chinese community. In his final role at Caterpillar, he served as a Senior Engineering Manager and found great meaning in mentoring others. He was known and deeply respected for his integrity, humility, good humor, and joy in helping others.
For the past two and a half years, Mingxiang battled liver cancer with unbelievable courage, strength, and grace. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, son-in-law, two brothers, and one sister. Now with God, he also lives on in our loving memories.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., one hour prior.
Memorials may be made to Peoria’s local PBS station, WTVP, which provides Central Illinois with free access to educational programming (link), or to the Peoria Chinese Christian Church (checks to “PCCC" can be delivered by hand or mailed to 10039 N. Garden Lane, Peoria, IL 61615).
Condolences and memories may be shared through Woolsey-Wilton Funeral home at Woolsey-Wilton.com
