Chien Chih James Chen

Chien Chih James “Jim” Chen 陳建志, B.Sc., D.M.D, F.A.G.D.

February 2, 1939 - June 25, 2024

James Chen, aged 85, of Surrey, British Columbia, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024. James was born on February 2nd, 1939, in Chiayi, as the oldest of five brothers and sisters. Survived by his sons, David and Henry, and daughter-in-law Sabrina, and grandchildren, Catherine, Madeleine, Madeleine, Max, and Gus. And survived by his younger sisters, 陳芳美 and 陳芳文 as well as his younger brothers 陳建成 and 陳建芳.

He was a devoted son who honoured his parents at every turn. He was a pioneering and protective eldest brother who his family could always count on. He married twice and divorced two times. He was a father who taught his sons that helping family and friends and sometimes strangers to the best of your ability is just a normal thing. And that his sons were always his most important priority in his life.

He was also a dentist who was dedicated to perfecting his trade for 47 years. He had a lifelong passion in the martial arts: from Aikido, Tai Chi, to Kung Fu and particularly Judo that he taught for decades. He brought the lessons that he learned from his Japanese sensei in Taiwan as well as from his training in Taiwan’s special forces and he shared that knowledge with generations of students in the Greater Vancouver Area.

He was a positive force in so many lives that there are so many stories of him that speak of his good character, his generosity, his willingness to help others, and his stoic positivity. He will be missed by so many and our memories of him will live on. With his journey’s end, may this warrior rest in peace.