Jerome Sung Chung

Passed away suddenly on March 4th, Jerome was a devoted son, husband, friend, coach and mentor to young men and women of all ages and abilities. Born and raised in the Bay Area. Married August 3, 2019, to Marion Chung.

Jerome brought joy and laughter to every aspect of his life. When working in the mornings with high school students with moderate to severe disabilities for 13 years and in the afternoons on pool decks from Atherton to San Jose as a water polo and swim coach for 19 years. Jerome’s impact and influence includes a uniquely diverse group of thousands of young men and women in the South Bay.

As a water polo (and swim) coach, Jerome coached several athletes who went on to (or are currently) competing at the Division 1 level in college. He coached teams that placed 28th in the nation as well as teams that did not fare so well, but each team received the same commitment, thought, and dedication -and he always put the expectation of winning upon himself, irrespective of the odds against him. Fellow coaches would all agree, a game against Jerome would inevitably be more difficult than anticipated.

Jerome had been dedicated to supporting students with disabilities since September 2008, developing special bonds with his students in the process. Jerome’s presence brought smiles of joy on the faces of his students, who were in never in doubt that he had their best interests, of becoming independent young adults, at heart.

Jerome was a big man who had an even bigger impact. Both literally and metaphorically. We will all miss his warmth and sense of humor, his deep caring and his unassuming, quiet presence.

A celebration of his life is planned at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary for 11:00AM on Saturday, April 17.