James W. Chin

James W. Chin, 81, Passes Away on August 4, 2024

 James W. Chin, a beloved partner, father, attorney, and lifelong tinkerer, passed away on August 4, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on November 19, 1942, in Folsom, California, James was the son of Wing and Lily Chin, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving partner, Sue, and his siblings Bessie, Betty, David (Gwen) Chin, and Jean Chin Wong. He is also survived by his sons, Barry (Alana) and Casey (Alethea), stepson Marcel Wong, and grandchildren Liana, Mica, and Tallis Chin, along with nephews Steven, Alexander, and Eric Wong.

 James was a proud U.S. Army veteran corpsman. He was known for his compassion and skill, having once carefully monitored the IV drip for his grandmother. His dedication to helping others extended far beyond his professional life.

 An automotive enthusiast, James had a lifelong passion for vehicles and mechanics. He meticulously rebuilt a Model T Ford, drove a turbocharged Corvair convertible, and even transformed a PGE van into a grocery store. His love for vintage cars led him to collect VW vans. James was also an avid motorcyclist, particularly a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. As a young man, his doting mother allowed him to dismantle a motorcycle in the family den, a testament to his early passion for fixing things.

 James’s talent for "fixing anything" extended to every area of his life. He had an innate ability to analyze problems, salvage parts, and make repairs. He passed on his skills to others, teaching a job training class for Sacramento schools, where he shared his expertise in electricity, plumbing, cement work, and more. James was a master of creative problem-solving—whether it was welding a special bicycle for his sister Bessie or himself, or fixing up a free BMW for his son Casey by replacing its dented door with a mismatched one from a junkyard.

 James’s hands-on approach wasn’t limited to mechanics. In the 1960s, he converted the William Land Elementary lunchroom into a studio, adding a shower, toilet, and sliding door. He also built a staircase from his V Street home to a downstairs den, which became a popular hangout spot with a pool table and recreational games.

 A true adventurer, James embraced extreme sports with zeal. He was an accomplished scuba diver, snorkeler, skydiver, and hangglider enthusiast. He even went water skiing and flying, once piloting a small plane to San Diego, where he was picked up for lunch by relatives Shang and Cynthia Tom.

 James earned his degree from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to become an attorney and property manager. He was also a general contractor.

 Beyond his technical skills and adventures, James was deeply involved in his community. He volunteered as a parent at his sons’ schools, Sutterville and William Land elementary and McClatchy High School, often driving students and participating in various activities—roles not often taken on by men at the time. His willingness to lend a hand, whether for family, friends, or his community, made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

 James’s legacy is one of curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for life. He will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to know him.