Jefferson J. Wu

Jefferson J. Wu passed away in his Bellaire, Texas home on November 26, 2023. He was surrounded by his wife, daughter, son, sister, and brother-in-law. Jeff battled liver cancer the same way he lived his life, with humor, and a smile on his face. He is survived by his wife, Alice, daughter, Megan, son, Travis, and sister, Jennifer Wu, along with close family and loved ones. Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Hsu, and father, Paul Wu.

Born August 26, 1969, Jeff spent the first 5 years of his life in Taiwan with his grandparents. He then moved to Maryland, where he joined his mother and father, and the newest member of the family, Jeff’s sister, Jennifer. The family also lived briefly in Kentucky and Virginia. His father’s career with NASA brought them to settle in Webster, Texas. Jeff spent his afternoons watching fighter jets take off at Ellington airfield, inspiring him to join JROTC in high school, and then Army ROTC programs at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston (UH). While attending UH, Jeff was deployed to the Persian Gulf during the First Gulf War, but not before meeting the love of his life, Alice.

The two graduated together and, following military service, Jeff began a faithful, 29-year career at Methodist Hospital. Eventually, Jeff and Alice had Megan and Travis. They tirelessly raised their two children, teaching them everything they knew, and more. Jeff’s parenting and generous personality inspired both of his children to give service back to their country. Megan served in the Peace Corps and Travis follows Jeff’s example by currently serving in the United States Army.

One of Jeff’s favorite activities was traveling with his family on adventures around the world, on cruises, and to many national parks. Ever the avid photographer, he recorded every event, every moment in pictures. But Jeff’s wildly diverse interests also included insatiable collecting of coins, stamps, and model planes. He was a certified mechanic and an all-around handyman, working on arms, cars, his cruiser-class motorcycle, and electronics. A favorite pastime was early morning rides in the countryside with Alice on his motorcycle or in his convertible.

Jeff's influence was felt not just by family, but also everyone around him. He built close relationships at Methodist Hospital and within his community. Jeff was an active adult leader in Cub Scout Pack 130 and Troop 222. He also served on the Bellaire High School Men's Lacrosse Board of Directors. His smile and laughter, and not least his myriad of entertaining stories, are ingrained in all our memories. He was a curious son, a nurturing father, a friend, and a confidant to all of us. His loss, while tragic, pales in comparison to the life he lived and the connections with people he touched. Jeff will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Jeff’s memory to one of the organizations below. Please send mail notification to Alice Wu, 4642 Spruce St., Bellaire, TX, 77401 or [email protected].

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