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

“Veteran lyricist and TV personality James Wong Jim was in critical condition in hospital early this morning,” reported the South China Morning Post on November 24, 2004. “His daughter was seen rushing to Union Hospital in Tai Wai, where her father had just had an operation for lung cancer.

“Wong, 64, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001 but recovered from his initial brush with the disease with the help of Western and traditional Chinese treatments. During a long career, Wong has turned his hand to the advertising business, writing novels, acting, directing and working as a musician. His works are so well known that former financial secretary Antony Leung Kam-chung quoted the lyrics from his song Below the Lion Rock – the theme tune of the hit RTHK television drama of the same name – when he concluded his budget speech in 2002.”

On December 2, the Post reported that “James Wong Jim, master of Cantopop lyrics, creative ad man and intelligent show host who brought Hong Kong people unforgettable songs and laughter, kept the surprises coming until the end with an extremely low-key funeral.

“Only close family members attended the funeral. Wong’s coffin, covered in red cloth with gold embroidery, was carried to Cape Collinson at 1.25pm.

“Ten security guards hugged the entrance of the service hall, where the funeral was conducted according to Buddhist rites. Wong’s cremation took place at 2.15pm. His oldest son, Yu-hong, came out of the service hall with a framed colour photo of Wong.”

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

“‘No friends had seen him during his last days,’ he said. ‘I guess he put his family as first priority. A funeral is very hurtful for the living ones. His family wants to keep a low profile as well.’”