Jim "Jeem" Han Lock

Jeem Han Lock, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and pioneering force in Seattle’s hospitality community, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.

Born on November 16, 1935, in Gim Shek Village, Tai Gong, Taishan, Guangdong, China, Jeem was the son of Ng Feng-Sher and Lee Mun Chun. His early years in the village shaped his character, instilling resilience, humility, and a deep devotion to family. In 1947, at the age of twelve, he immigrated to San Francisco, California, beginning a new chapter defined by determination and hope.

In 1954, Jeem proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably as a Specialist with the Overseas Central Signal Communications Center, UN/AFFE Command, at Camp Drake, Japan. His service was a testament to his loyalty, discipline, and gratitude for the opportunities of his adopted country.

After completing his military service, Jeem relocated to Seattle, Washington in 1962, where he began a remarkable hospitality career spanning more than fifty years. Through dedication, discipline, and a passion for excellence, he became one of the most respected culinary professionals in the Pacific Northwest.

Jeem held distinguished roles at numerous notable establishments, including:

- Rossellini’s Four-10 and The Other Place – Maitre D’ and Wine Director

- Four Seasons Olympic Hotel – Specialty Cuisine Chef

- Red Lion Inn, Bellevue, WA – Food and Beverage Director

- Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant and Satay Bar – Founding Executive Chef

Under Jeem’s leadership, Wild Ginger quickly earned national acclaim. In its first year, the restaurant appeared on numerous “Best Of” lists and was featured in the New York Times, People Magazine, W Magazine, Gourmet Magazine, and Bon Appétit. Wild Ginger was later named “Seattle’s Favorite Restaurant” in Zagat’s 1997 and 1998 Northwest Guide, and Seattle Magazine readers voted it “Best Asian Restaurant” for ten consecutive years.

Jeem was recognized as one of America’s 2000 Best Chefs in North America in 1993 and 1994, received a James Beard Foundation Award nomination in 1996, and was honored with the James Beard Award for Best Chef, Pacific Northwest and Hawaii in 1997.

He also shared his expertise as a consultant for restaurants across the country, including Pacific Rim Bistro (Atlanta, GA), Silk Asian Steak and Seafood Restaurant (Atlanta, GA), Azian Restaurant (Naples, FL and Charlotte, NC), and Mai Place (Renton, WA). His mentorship helped shape generations of chefs and restaurateurs nationwide.

Jeem is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leila, his daughter Lena and son-in-law Gene, his son Jason, his grandchildren Bradley (granddaughter-in-law Heather), Kristin, Lauren, Kayla, and Princeton, and great-granddaughters Peyton and Olivia. His family will forever cherish his stories, traditions, and the values he instilled through a lifetime of love, discipline, and generosity.

In accordance with Jeem’s wish, a private memorial service will be held with immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to FareStart (a 501(c)(3) organization) or to the Seattle Central College Culinary School Scholarship Program, honoring Jeem’s lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and the culinary arts.

May his memory be a blessing and an enduring inspiration to all whose lives he touched.