Jimmy Zhan

In Loving Memory of Jimmy Yongzhuo Zhan January 3, 1948 - May 6, 2022 Jimmy Zhan passed away on Friday, May 6, 2022, in North Richland Hills, Texas, at the age of 74.

He was born on January 3, 1948, in Nanjing, China. Jimmy had a long career in science and technology. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Nanking Normal University and working as a high school physics teacher, he came to the United States for graduate studies in 1986 and called Texas home ever since. He received master’s degrees in both Physics and Computer Science from the University of North Texas and worked as a software engineer until his retirement at the age of 70.

Jimmy was truly a self-made man. He came to the US with only $200 in his pocket. He believed in this land of freedom and equal opportunity. His exceptional intellect, hard work and strong determination enabled him to build a new life for his family here. He was kind and generous, always encouraging and helping other newcomers starting their own journeys in the US. Though Jimmy lived the rest of his life in the US, his birthplace and all his friends and family back there were never far from his heart. He loved visiting them in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan. He enjoyed traditional Chinese food from his hometown Nanjing and his lifelong passion was the Chinese game Go. In his younger days, his hobbies included basketball, swimming and chess. One of his favorite things to do was getting into intense debates with friends about politics and world events.

Jimmy married his wife Tina Xia in 1974. He was a devoted husband and father, and he adored his grandchildren. After retirement, he and Tina also enjoyed traveling to other parts of the world including Central America and Europe.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Shiming Zhan and Zhenfeng Li. Jimmy is survived by his wife Tina, daughter Frances Zhan, and grandchildren Ava Li and Adam Li. Jimmy lived a simple but honorable life. He will be remembered for his integrity and free spirit. He will forever be loved and missed by his family and all who were fortunate to know him!