Jim’s Obituary
“I’m an artist, singer, songwriter.”
Hsieh Ke-Yi, aka Jim Hsieh, the fourth child of Haoling and Janie Lee, born on June 2, 1944 in Chongqing, China, died unexpectedly on Jan. 24, 2008, at home in Franklin, TN. He was a resident of Nashville and Williamson County for over 37 years with deep roots. His friends were everywhere.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and son Erich (Yobi) R. Hsieh from former wife Barbara Ramsey. He is survived by sons Brent and Loren Hsieh from first wife Carolyn Hall; sisters Nancy Kuo of West Lafayette, IN and Lucy Yuan of Palo Alto, CA; and brother Johnny Hsieh of Tucson, AZ.
Jim had a successful career as an independent commercial artist and illustrator, and had committed himself to teaching in Adult Literacy Programs. His joyful response to life through his art, music, humor, love of children, food, and service to others in different stations of life, has touched many and will stay with us.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Jim’s life will be Sat. Feb. 2, 2008, 2PM, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville. Bring your families, children, pictures, stories and music. Rev. Randy Hoover-Dempsey officiating. Will Campbell will provide a remembrance. View Jim’s work and life at www.gemihsieh.com.
Contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the Literacy Council of Williamson County, 129 West Fowlkes St, Franklin, TN 37064, Suite 143, or The Friends of Radnor Lake, P.O. Box 40324, Nashville, TN 37204.
January 30, 2008 at 8:47 pm |
When I opened up the obituaries this morning, the first thing that I saw was Jim’s face. I had not seen him for years, but immediately knew who it was. I was fortunate enough to know Jim when he was married to Barbara. I met them in 1983 and began taking care of their 5 month old son, ‘Yobi’. What a wonderful family to work for! Brent was in high school and Loren was in jr. high.
I had a lot of fun with them. I remember going with them to Centennial Park when Wautauga lake was frozen and we all walked around on it. I would take Yobi in the stroller down to Belmont to eat lunch in the cafeteria and would be the center of attention due to his absolute adorableness and personality.
I remember with incredible sadness when Yobi was diagnosed and watched Jim and Barb work with him with incredible love. I listened as Will Campbell talked about him at his funeral. Believe it or not, he was the main influence in my husband and my choosing to adopt from overseas (South Korea) when we discovered that biological children were not to be in our future. We were blessed with a brother and sister who are now 10 and 11 years old.
I regret not staying in touch with Jim or Barb. They were very important and influential in my life at that time–and since. I am glad that Jim was not in pain and that he was spared that, because I don’t think he would have liked that at all. Bless him for the wonderful part he played in my life.
April 24, 2008 at 2:54 pm |
Much to my suprise, I had no idea of his passing until today when I went looking for his email to write him….. I am in complete shock but am so honored to have had a few classes with this man. He was one of the most genuine teachers I have ever had. There was never a single word of discouragement out of his mouth while he would help students. He had skill in the field of drawing like no one I had ever seen and his past with free-lancing was incredible. I know he is and forever will be missed and I can tell how many lives he influenced all around him. Rest in peace, Jim.