Uncle Jim,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this, struggling to find the right words for someone who has meant so much to me. You were never just an uncle, you were my second father, a constant presence who helped shape who I am today.

From the earliest days I can remember, you were always there—guiding, protecting, and encouraging me in ways that only someone with a truly generous heart could. I think back to all those simple but meaningful moments we shared: the laughter during family gatherings, the stories you told that always carried lessons, the way you checked on me not because you had to, but because you genuinely cared. Those memories are deeply etched in my heart, and I will carry them with me always.

You had a way of making everything feel lighter. Even in difficult times, your presence brought comfort and reassurance. You believed in me when I doubted myself, stood by me when I needed strength, and treated me as your own child without hesitation. That kind of love is rare, and I will forever be grateful for it.

As I walk through this painful moment of loss, I find myself revisiting those “memory lanes” we built together, moments of laughter, quiet conversations, shared meals, and the warmth of simply being in your company. Each memory is a reminder of the incredible person you were and the life you lived so meaningfully.

Thank you, Uncle Jim, for being my guide, my protector, and my second father. Your legacy lives on in the values you instilled in me and in the love you so freely gave. Though you may no longer be with us physically, your presence will forever remain in my heart.

You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

With all my love and gratitude,
Cherryl

I met Dad when Tami and I were going to Humphrey‘s college together. Tami and I became wonderful friends and she ended up moving in with my mom and I. At my mom‘s house we were having plumbing problems and it seemed no one could help us. Tami said her dad was very handy and he would be willing to come over and help. He came over and helped us. He fixed the problem with a smile. I will never forget his gracious help. Tami and I graduated from Humphrey‘s college and dad was so very proud of her. I know as Tami grew up. Dad was very proud of his beautiful daughter and how much she has achieved in her life. He was a wonderful man and I was honored to be able to call him Dad.  I love you, dad I love you, Tami.

My grandpa was one of those rare people who made everyone feel loved just by being himself. He was sweet, kind, and had a quiet way of showing how much he cared in everything he did.

Some of my most cherished memories are from growing up and staying with him. We would spend time swimming and waking up early on the weekends to go to garage sales—simple moments that meant so much and that I will carry with me forever. Those days were filled with laughter, comfort, and a kind of happiness that only he could bring.

I’ll always smile thinking about how he would call when he was just around the corner to let us know to put the coffee on for his visit. It was such a simple thing, but it meant everything—it was him, it was routine, and it was love.

He was hardworking, outspoken, and strong—never afraid to stand by what he believed in. He lived with honesty and conviction, and he showed all of us the importance of being true to ourselves.

More than anything, my grandpa cherished his family. He created a sense of home wherever he was, and being around him felt safe, steady, and full of love.

I am so grateful for all of the phone calls and texts we shared. I find myself wishing I could still text him every day. I will always be thankful that I got to be with him during his last couple of weeks, and that my girls were able to see him and be surrounded by family during that time. Those moments mean more to me than I can ever fully express.

I will miss him more than words can say, but I feel so grateful for every moment I had with him. His love and the memories we shared will stay in my heart always.

Jimmy Chew was a kind person who made others feel at ease the moment they were around him. I met him in the 80’s when he would come around to visit his daughter, Tami. I remember how easygoing and genuinely kind he was and you could see how much he loved his daughter and visa versa. He always included you in the conversation and made you feel like you were part of the family. Even the family vacation I was honored to be a part of, was a fun time with him and the Chew Crew. What I’ll remember most is his laugh—it was warm and contagious, but most importantly were his eyes; even when he wasn’t laughing, his eyes always looked like they were smiling at you. He just reflected the goodness he carried with him. 
Jim will be missed by many for the warmth he brought into the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in God’s arms and in His peace.                  
With heartfelt sympathy, Dyan Brusa

From being married to Rich for the past 35 years, you were always so loving, kind, sweet and accepting me as a daughter. You truly made me feel special by that. I will miss our weekend talks, texting "good mornings", your birthdays, and special occasions. I am so thankful that we had a sweet relationship and will carry those memories forever. Love you dad!

Tami and I visited Jim and Lorna camping and the four of us spent the night in his RV. I woke up the next morning pretty hung over and saw Jim first thing, and for some reason, referred to him as “sweet pea“. The nickname just fit, and it’s stuck. For me, Jim was a great man and just a rock solid dude. He was so very much someone you could count on.. In early 1994, he and I drove a 24 foot truck with Tami and my belongings from Virginia to California. We just drove and talked and slept and only spent one night in a motel. We actually had a blast driving cross country. Love you, Jim!

My beloved G-paw. You were there—for every birthday, every graduation, every milestone. Through you, I learned what family truly means: showing up no matter what, standing by each other even in the darkest moments, and loving one another, even when it isn’t easy. After all, we Chews can be a stubborn lot. 

I hear your voice in the little things—every time I check my oil or fill my tires with air: “It’s better to have a little less than too much.” Like you, those words have stayed with me. You were a constant in my life. Even from a distance, you were a steady light, always guiding me back home. Spending the last two months of your life with you was a gift I will carry with me for the rest of mine.

Fly high, soldier. Until we meet again.

Daddy, I can't express how much you will be missed. I am so blessed to have been by your side everyday for last weeks of your life. You were so lovely and adoring. You did not miss the opportunity to let us all know how much you loved and appreciated us. I wouldn't have missed this time for the world. RIP Daddy....Love, Your Babydoll!
Tami Hampshire

I have great memories of me and Dad sitting in the "yellow" van on our many trips from Santa Rosa to Stockton and back with my sister and brother in the back. Dad would sing at the top of his lungs to me from one of his 8 track tapes. Another fond memory was road trips to the ocean. I was freezing......Dad kept checking on me to see if I was ok because my lips were blue. I kept saying that I was fine because I didn't want ruin everybody's time.  Dad told that story a lot. I love you Dad. I miss you.

So sorry Uncle Jimmy that you lost your fight with that ugly Cancer!
My favorite Memory was when I was 16 and stayed up all night and you called to talk to my dad and I answered the phone! I said just a second I would get him but I set the phone down and fell back asleep? You drove to Modesto and when I got up there you was sitting in the living room!!! I said um Dad uncle Jimmy called but he was cool and Laughed gotta love that MAN

One of my best memories of Uncle Jim is how he made me feel truly seen and understood whenever we were together. Though he was not a naturally born Filipino, but he still embraced our culture and made such an effort to be close to us, which meant a lot. I remember his quiet kindness, patience, and warmth in every visit. Those moments with him will always stay with me.

Oh, Mr. Chew—what a wonderful man. I was so lucky to know him. He was always kind to me, calling me “Heather Feather.” I’ve known him since I was very young, when Tami and I spent summers at her dad’s house and I would often go along.

I still smile thinking about how all the furniture was covered in plastic, I suppose to make sure we didn’t ruin it. We’d ride our bikes over to Aunt Louise’s house, sometimes getting into a little trouble, and Mr. Chew would come pick us up. We spent so many days swimming and laughing, and those memories have stayed with me through the years.

Watching his kids grow, you could always see the pride he had in each and every one of them. I’m grateful I had the chance to know him and to be part of so many meaningful moments. Celebrating together—sharing stories, laughing, even singing “Alley oop. are memories I will always treasure.

Thank you, Mr. Chew, for all the love and memories.

Tami, Richard, Brenda, and Lorna—my heart goes out to you, especially to you, my friend, Lorna. Losing your soulmate is so incredibly hard.

With love,

Heather and Gordon Clem

Uncle Jimmy was one of a kind. He was a hard worker family man !who took so much pride in our family and its long history. He always did his best to bring everyone together, and that’s something that will always stay with us. His love for the Chew family name will never be forgotten, and neither will the impact he had on all of us. He will be deeply missed.
Love you Sir ,Billy Jack Chew

OBITUARY

Jimmy "Jim" Harold Chew

February 12, 1938 – April 1, 2026

DeYoung Shoreline Chapel

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