James Fong

James Fong, Sr.

James Fong, Sr. peacefully passed away in his home at the Asbury Methodist Village on January 9, 2021. In his 80s, God miraculously healed him from two bouts of liver cancer (stages I and IV) and allowed him to reside comfortably in Kindley Assisted Living, until going home to be with the Lord, at the age of 84.

James was born on February 23, 1936, to Tom Lung and Kim Leung Fong, in Toisan, China (Canton province). He was the middle of three children, attended school in China until the age of 15 and then immigrated to the US in the 1950s. After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C., he went on to study Electrical Engineering at the George Washington University. Later, he received his Master’s in Software Engineering from the American University. His lifetime professional career consisted of 38 years with the US Federal Government in the Department of Defense. He was both a successful Electronics and Software Engineer in the Naval Electronic Systems Command (25 years) and the Army Material Command (13
years).

James married Mary Ly from Iloilo, Philippines, on September 10, 1960. They went on to have three children— James Jr., Peter and Eleanor, and raised them in Potomac, Maryland. After retiring at the age of 59, James enjoyed various part-time jobs, and joined his wife in a love for music. Together they attended the Gaithersburg Chinese Alliance Church, served in the choir and participated in various fellowship groups. James also sung in the Asbury choir and the Montgomery County Community Center Chinese Choir. Additionally, James enjoyed reading about current events, talking about ancient and modern-day Chinese history and watching the Washington Wizards with his sons. He was a dedicated husband, wonderful father and provider for his family. He will be remembered for his strong moral character and sense of responsibility, practical advice, gentle and kind demeanor and a constant heart of gratitude.

James was predeceased by his parents, Tom Lung and Kim Leung, wife Mary Ly Fong, and sisters Ching Yip and Susan Kuo. He is survived by children, James Fong, Jr (spouse Carol), Peter Ly Fong (spouse Stephanie) and Eleanor Fong Lo (spouse Ted); and his seven grandchildren.

Special thanks to: all the staff in Kindley Assisted Living and Asbury Methodist Village; the Interim Caregivers and hospice staff at Montgomery Hospice who watched over James this past year; Dr. Chitra Rajagopal and her oncology staff; Emily Sy, Yvonne Russell and Kitty Chang for preparing food for James when needed; the members from the Gaithersburg Chinese Alliance church for visiting and praying for James and all family and friends who supported James these past years.

Due to the current pandemic, and for the safety of all family and friends, a private burial will take place at the Gate of Heaven cemetery. There will be no memorial service. At an undetermined date, the Fong family will hold a small celebration of life gathering honoring James.

Family and friends are welcome to leave online thoughts and memories for the Fong family on the Thibadeau website under Obituary Listings. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Gaithersburg Chinese Alliance Church. There are website links below.