James Hang, Jr.'s Obituary
James Hang, Jr., devoted husband and father and veteran of World War II, passed away peacefully in his sleep May 24, 2019, at his home in Berkeley, Calif., from complications of liver cancer. He was 95.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Annie Way King Foo, and three children: Glenn, Valerie, and Susan. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Jeremy, Meredith, Megan, Tyler, Brandon, and Kelli.
Born on August 17, 1923, to James Hang, Sr. and Leung Shee in Hopeton, Calif., James spent his early years on dairy ranches with his parents and older brother, Tim. They eventually settled in Oakland in the mid-1930s.
A graduate of Oakland Technical High School, he entered the military in 1943 and served in the Army Air Force in Italy where he was trained to work in armament and achieved the rank of sergeant. After his discharge in 1945, he learned the meat cutting trade from his brother and soon opened his first butcher business in Oakland. He wed Annie in 1950, and in 1957 they moved their business to Alameda where he worked until his retirement in 1977.
James had a lifelong passion for fishing and owned his own runabout for many years. He was also skilled in repairing and replacing all things mechanical, whether they were auto or home related. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time watching over his grandchildren as they grew up. He was also a fan of both local professional football teams.
James will be honored and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously this fall, through the efforts of the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project, in remembrance of his dedicated service during World War II.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 14, 2019, at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, where he will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of your choice.
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