Remembering veteran Cantopop songwriter James Wong Jim, who died 20 years ago

The South China Morning Post reported on November 24, 2004: “Master songwriter and television personality James Wong Jim was in a hospital in critical condition early this morning.” He had surgery for lung cancer.

“Wong, 64, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001, but recovered from his first encounter with the disease with the help of Western and traditional Chinese treatments. Throughout his long career, Wong has branched out into advertising, novel writing, acting, directing and musicianship. His works are so well known that former finance minister Antony Leung Kam-chung quoted the lyrics of his song Below the Lion Rock, the theme tune to the popular RTHK television series of the same name, as he concluded his budget speech in 2002.

On December 2, the Post reported: “James Wong Jim, the master of Cantopop lyrics, creative ad man and clever show host who brought unforgettable songs and laughter to the people of Hong Kong, kept the surprises going until the end with a very simple funeral.

“Only close family members attended the funeral. Wong’s coffin, covered in red cloth with gold embroidery, was carried to Cape Collinson at 13.25.

“Ten security guards embraced at the entrance of the service hall, where the funeral ceremony was held according to Buddhist rites. Wong’s funeral took place at 14.15. The eldest son, Yu-hong, emerged from the service hall with a framed color photograph of Wong in his hand.”

Wong’s close friend, television producer Siu Chiu-shun, said that “it was Wong’s idea to keep the funeral low-profile.”

“’None of his friends had seen him in his last days,’ he said. ‘I think he put his family first. A funeral is very painful for those who are alive. His family also wants to keep a low profile.”