Celebrating
the vibrant life of
James Tyam Sheu Kahn
12/22/1927 – 04/11/2022
Please join us on Zoom for a remote service.
Saturday, May 14th at 3:30 PM
No invitation is required to join.
Meeting ID: 893 0124 9588
Passcode: 041933
James Tyam Sheu Kahn was born on December 22, 1927, in the village of Hawi, North Kohala, on the Big Island of Hawaii, to Tan Loy Kahn and Ah Yuen Lyau Kahn. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 69 years, Rose, his children, Debbie and her husband David, Daryl and his wife Dana & youngest daughter, Diane, and his grandchildren, Brandon, Ryanne and her husband Julian, Rishelle, Riley, Holyce and Tierra, as well as by his sister, Gladys, and many nieces and nephews.
As the sixth of seven children, one of James’ favorite childhood memories of growing up on the islands was climbing mango trees and eating the fruit as he perched for hours among the branches. Young James lost his mother at the tender age of four, and as a young teen amid the turmoil of WWII, he came to live with his Uncle Bill & Aunt Violet in Honolulu, who was studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. James recognized the ring of truth from what he overheard from their bible studies, and he too began to study the Bible and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 18, 1947. As a young teen, he began selling newspapers in front of the famous pink Royal Hawaiian hotel in Waikiki. After graduation, he worked at a pineapple packing plant before going to trade school in Kansas City, Missouri. As a skillful research & development machinist, James worked for ITT Jennings for over 30 years.
James met Rose in 1950, when Rose's Uncle Caesar and James were on their way to New York, for the International Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses. Rose was 16 years old when her Uncle Caesar introduced them. They kept in contact via mail over the next few years after Jim went home to Hawaii. They were married on May 16, 1953, and later that same year they were thrilled to attend the 1953 International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York. Five years later, they welcomed the first of their 3 children, while living in San Jose, California. James & Rose found joy in serving Jehovah together as a family, often attending & volunteering for food service at annual conventions and assemblies, one highlight was attending an International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Vancouver, British Columbia. He served as a congregation elder for many years, and loved the friends at the hall. During the pandemic, he often mentioned in his prayers his fervent desire to be able to meet back with them at the Kingdom Hall, once again. James also enjoyed singing, cooking, grilling, gardening, traveling, fishing, camping and snow skiing with family and friends.
James faithfully served Jehovah until his death on April 11, 2022 and had complete faith in the scriptural promise of a resurrection to a paradise earth, in which he looked forward to reuniting with his family, especially his dear mother.
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Some family members and loved ones have shared their beloved memories of James.
It is with appreciation and gratitude that the family wishes to convey its sincerest thanks for all the prayers and acts of loving-kindness that have been showered upon us during this difficult time of loss.
