James Joe

James Joe, age 89, of Amarillo, died December 12, 2023, in Amarillo at his home surrounded by his devoted family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel, 4100 South Georgia.  Rev. Brett Coe of First Christian Church will officiate.  Private inurnment was held at Llano Garden Mausoleum.

James was born on April 20, 1934, to his parents, Yuen and May Joe, in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Amarillo High School.

James proudly served in the United States Army from June 24, 1954 until June 22, 1956.

While visiting Hong Kong in 1966, he met his future wife Mona, and they were married on January 2, 1967. Their love story would continue for the next fifty-six years and grow to include two children, Karen and Jason.

In his early years, James worked at the Canton Café and was a cook for the Ding How before he and Mona opened the Ming Palace Restaurant in 1973. Together, with their children's help, the business became very successful and would thrive for thirty-five years until their retirement in 2008. James would come in early to ensure the restaurant was ready to serve customers, and of course, one cannot forget those famous Ming Palace Eggrolls!

James loved sports of all kinds, especially football. He also enjoyed poker and would make a bet "here and there." He enjoyed trips to Vegas and could often be found at the Keno table, always betting on his favorite numbers 69, 70, 79, and 80.

After retirement, he and Mona traveled throughout the world. On several occasions, they visited the Joe Village in Hoi Pang, China. He felt a deep connection to the village that would last his lifetime. In addition to the many trips to China, they also enjoyed cruising.

James’ heritage was important to him, but nothing was more important than his family. He was deeply devoted to loving, providing, and supporting his family. Although he was very proud of both his children, nothing made him prouder than becoming "Gong Gong" (Grandfather in Chinese) to the twins, Madilynn and Katelynn. He adored and spoiled them, but most importantly, he loved them beyond measure.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

James is survived by his wife, Mona; his daughter Karen Joe Hansard and her husband, Mike; his son, Jason Joe, and his husband, Scott Edwards, Jr.; his sister, Emily Joe Wong and her husband, Dr. Edward K. Wong of Sugarland; his three brothers, Tim Joe and Linda of Amarillo, Steve “Wo” Joe and his wife Gracie of West Hills, California and Dr. Bob Joe and his wife Helen of Austin, TX; his brothers-in-law, Chiu Shek Lo and his wife Jan of Childress, TX and Poon Shek Lo and his wife Wai Fong of Kowloon, Hong Kong; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in James’ honor to the American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.org/.