【聖路易時報訊】在金秋十月的一個寧靜日子，聖路易華人社區失去了一位備受愛戴的社區領袖。趙國盛(Jimmy Chu)先生於2024年10月10日在密蘇裡州 Chesterfield 安詳離世，享年76歲。趙國盛先生是備受愛戴的丈夫、父親、祖父、戰友、兄弟和朋友，也是聖路易華人社區的重要成員。
趙國盛先生的一生如同一部精彩的美國夢劇本。趙國盛先生是華裔移民第四代，他的曾祖父隨著築鐵路華工群移民來美，三代以後1948年4月30日，他出生在阿肯色州 Helena 的一個普通家庭。12歲時全家遷往田納西州孟菲斯。度過青蔥歲月，高中畢業時全家五個男孩的趙家已有兩位男孩被徵調從軍參加越戰，趙國盛先生接著在1969年入伍陸軍。由於已有2個哥哥在越南，美國陸軍因此將趙國盛先生派往德國，一駐就是18個月，曾在軍中擔任軍醫醫務人員，為國家奉獻了自己的青春。
1971年趙國盛先生退伍，隻身來到聖路易，他最終在聖路易紮根，用勤奮和智慧編織出屬於自己的精彩人生。以華人傳統堅忍毅力，趙國盛先生一步步辛勤努力，他與摯愛的妻子薛健屏 (Josephine) 攜手創業，開設了 Canton House Chop Suey 和 St. Louis Bubble Tea 兩家餐廳。接下來三個男孩相繼出生，夫婦倆人互相支持鼓勵，更加勤奮工作撫養三個孩子長大接受教育，現在長子趙子豪(Jason)，次子趙子傑(Jeffrey)，老么趙子宏(Jeremy)都已成家立業有著美滿幸福的家庭。
同時，40多年來，趙國盛夫婦這兩家餐廳不僅是華人尋找家鄉味道的溫暖港灣，更成為了不同文化交融的連結。
趙國盛先生不僅是成功的企業家，更是華人社區的精神支柱。2001年，趙國盛先生當選美華協會(OCA)會長，深入了解聖路易社區，積極參與社團服務，爭取並保護華裔及亞裔民權，消除和抵制種族偏見與歧視。由於有著刻苦奮鬥的成長經驗，趙國盛先生真正體會出社會裡的需要和某些無助。他孜孜不倦地為華人權益發聲，為文化傳承奔走。他的付出，讓無數新移民在異國找到了歸屬感。
趙國盛先生也曾擔任亞裔中小企業協會(Asian American Business Association, AABA)副會長、財務，創立並每年頒發餐飲從業人員子女獎學金，照顧餐飲業和家庭不遺餘力。趙國盛先生同時是聖路易基督教華人社區服務中心創始董事會成員之一，聖路易社區和餐飲業有難時，他總是第一個勇敢的挺身而出登高疾呼，為社區發聲爭取權益，讓人敬佩。
2011年聖路易亞裔餐飲工作小組(Asian Restaurant Task Force, ARTF)成立，趙國盛先生擔任主席，與聖路易郡衛生局密切連系協調，實地參與衛生檢查，參加全州衛生會議，主持簡報，為提昇華裔餐飲形象，進入主流社會，持續奉獻心力，受到密州和聖路易郡之重視和肯定。
2012年趙國盛先生應密蘇里州乳業食品衛生及環境健康協會(Missouri Milk, Food & Environment Health Association)在密州哥倫比亞Stoney Creek旅館會議中心召開之第33屆年會邀請，主持聖路易亞裔餐飲工作組模式專題報告，獲得了極高的評價，為聖路易郡和亞裔社區爭光。
2013年他經聖路易郡長Charlie Dooley任命，擔任聖路易郡餐飲委員會歷史上首位華裔委員。趙國盛委員是大聖路易地區第一位華裔擔任郡餐飲委員，直接參與聖路易餐飲委員會各項會議和研討制定餐飲有關規定，為華裔、亞裔餐飲業爭取權益，表達心聲，提昇形象。聖路易郡有亞裔、華裔餐飲業超過千家，餐飲業工作人員超過萬人，趙國盛委員的任命代表聖路易郡對華裔社區的重視。在宣誓就任後，聖路易郡長Charlie Dooley特別在九樓郡長辦公室親自接見趙國盛委員和家人予以勉勵。
不負眾望 趙國盛先生在擔任餐館委員會委員期間協助聖路易郡制定和修正多項實際符合餐館需求的衛生規定，同時多次協助配合聖路易郡衛生局解決餐飲業所面臨的問題。
雖然晚年身體每況愈下，但趙國盛先生的精神卻一直鼓舞著身邊的人。在家人和朋友眼中，趙國盛先生是個性格剛毅卻又心軟如水的人。他總是將他人的需求放在自己之前，默默地幫助著身邊的每一個人。他的院子裡種滿了各種果蔬和鮮花，彷彿是他對生命的熱愛和對美好的期盼的寫照。他的堅強、樂觀和對生活的熱愛，成為了家人朋友面對困境時的力量來源。
趙國盛先生的父母 Ah Sing Ko 和 Ngan Oy Chin、姐妹 Nui Yung 和 Daisy 以及兄弟 George 和 Roger 均先於他離世。
趙國盛先生留下了深愛他的妻子 Josephine Chu、兒子 Jason、Jeffrey 和 Jeremy、媳婦 Larissa、Katie 和 Kelly，以及他心愛的孫子 Henry、Evelyn、Alexander、Thomas、Adeline、Joie、Olivia 和 Sophia。他還留下了兄弟姐妹 Annie、Rich 和 Johnny，他們將深深懷念他。
趙國盛先生的離去，讓我們深感哀痛，但他的精神將永遠活在我們心中。他用一生詮釋了什麼是愛、責任和奉獻。他是丈夫、父親、祖父、戰友、兄弟、朋友，更是整個華人社區的驕傲。
家人將於2024年10月17日下午4時-7時在 Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel (9450 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132) 舉行瞻仰儀容儀式，讓所有認識和愛戴趙國盛先生的人前來告別。葬禮將於隔天舉行，伴隨著莊嚴的軍禮，將送別這位社區敬愛的領袖。葬禮追悼會定於10月18日上午11時在同一地點進行，隨後在 Bellerive Cemetery 舉行軍事榮譽葬禮儀式。
Visitation
Thursday, October 17, 2024
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel
9450 Olive Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63132
Funeral Service
Friday, October 18, 2024
11:00 am
Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel
9450 Olive Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63132
家屬建議，有意表達哀悼者可以向國家腎臟基金會捐款，以代替獻花。
National Kidney Foundation – donations may be made online, through mail, or via phone:
https://www.kidney.org
Attn: Gift Processing at National Kidney Foundation HQ
趙國盛先生的一生充滿愛、承諾和對國家、社區和家庭的奉獻。他的善良、慷慨和對家人朋友的忠誠將永遠被銘記在心。
OBITUARY
Jimmy Chu
April 30, 1948 – October 10, 2024
Jimmy Chu, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and cherished member of the St. Louis Chinese community, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, in Chesterfield, Missouri, at the age of 76. Born on April 30, 1948 in Helena, Arkansas, raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and making his home in St. Louis, he lived a life marked by service, hard work, dedication, and love.
As a proud Army veteran, Jimmy served his country with honor as a medic before embarking on a successful career as an entrepreneur. With his wife by his side every step of the way, he was the founder and owner of two respected establishments in St. Louis with a career spanning over 40 years: the Canton House Chop Suey restaurant and St. Louis Bubble Tea, the first to bring bubble tea to the area. Through his work, he brought joy and community to countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on the local culinary scene.
Jimmy lived life with no regrets. He was tough as nails but generous to a fault, always putting others ahead of himself. He never turned away from anyone in need, giving freely of his time, his resources, and his heart. Stubborn and prideful, he treated everyone with the same fairness and respect they gave him, regardless of their status. His commitment to others was unwavering, and those who knew him best remember how he quietly made a difference in their lives.
In his later years, as his health declined, Jimmy chose to step back from the social gatherings he once enjoyed, preferring the quiet comfort of home. Though he was less present in the community, his presence was still felt by all who knew him. His strength, generosity, and larger-than-life personality remained a constant source of inspiration to those around him.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jimmy was a man of deep passions and commitments. He found immense joy in gardening, nurturing his yard with a vibrant array of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. He also cherished fishing and treasured every moment spent with his family, especially with his dear grandchildren.
Jimmy dedicated himself to the betterment of the local Chinese community through his role as a Restaurant Commissioner and as a former president of the OCA St. Louis chapter. His active involvement in supporting cultural initiatives and fostering community ties will be remembered fondly by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ah Sing Ko and Ngan Oy Chin; his sisters, Nui Yung and Daisy; and his brothers, George and Roger.
Jimmy is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Josephine Chu; his sons, Jason, Jeffrey, and Jeremy; his daughters-in-law, Larissa, Katie, and Kelly; and his cherished grandchildren, Henry, Evelyn, Alexander, Thomas, Adeline, Joie, Olivia, and Sophia. He also leaves behind his siblings, Annie, Rich, and Johnny, who will miss him dearly.
Jimmy Chu’s legacy is one of love, commitment, and community. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends will be forever remembered by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held for Jimmy at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132, on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 11:00 am. Committal service, including military honors, will follow at Bellerive Cemetery, 750 N. Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141.
Your presence at the memorial services means a lot to the family, as they extend their deepest gratitude. If you wish to make a gesture, in lieu of flowers the family kindly asks you donate to the National Kidney Foundation in Jimmy’s memory. In his lifelong battle with kidney disease, he was passionate about supporting those affected by similar health challenges.
National Kidney Foundation – donations may be made online, through mail, or via phone:https://www.kidney.org
Attn: Gift Processing at National Kidney Foundation HQ
