Memories of James Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

Shared a heart

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Bob Boucher

RIP, Mr. Dao.

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Kerin Gould

I was just thinking of Jim the other day and wondering about his research/invention legacy. His approach to treating cancer was years ahead of the field and I hope that continues on to fruition. I hope this anniversary brings up reasons to smile, laugh and feel proud of Jim’s achievements. He really was one of a kind.

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Donna Dao-Willins

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Jeff Dao

Hi, Kerin. Thanks for your kind words. We have been sharing thoughts and memories about my father. It’s hard... Read more Hi, Kerin. Thanks for your kind words. We have been sharing thoughts and memories about my father. It’s hard to believe it was... Read more Hi, Kerin. Thanks for your kind words. We have been... Read more

Kerin Gould

All the best to your family. I'm glad you have each other and many wonderful memories to comfort you. All the best to your family. I'm glad you have each other and many wonderful memories to comfort you. All the best to your family. I'm glad you have each... Read more

audie chang

Dear Karen, Jeff and the Dao family:
I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing . He was my mentor at CIC and we traveled together on memorable trips to Japan for business. Jim was a fearless entrepreneur with a big heart and connected easily with everyone. As an early immigrant from China, I feel his loss as he was one of a kind among Chinese-Americans and an inspiring model.

Audie

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Kerin Gould

Dear Dao family, i had no idea! My deepest sympathy to you all! I am so very sorry to hear this. I know his many projects will live on, but his enormous personality must leave a terrible vacuum. I hope a lifetime of memories will help to console you.
Kerin Gould

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Jeff Dao

Dear Kerin, thanks for your very kind words. I’d like to think that our fathers are now enjoying each others’... Read more Dear Kerin, thanks for your very kind words. I’d like to think that our fathers are now enjoying each others’ company once again.... Read more Dear Kerin, thanks for your very kind words. I’d like... Read more

Kerin Gould

Oh I certainly hope so! Were you able to have a family gathering? How are you all adjusting? Please give ... Read more Oh I certainly hope so! Were you able to have a family gathering? How are you all adjusting? Please give your mom a hug for me!... Read more Oh I certainly hope so! Were you able to have a family... Read more

Frank Dane

1992, Communication Intelligence Corp., Redwood Shores, CA

James with some of CIC's team and Guests

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Donna Dao-Willins

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Donna Dao-Willins

what a nice memory Frank. Thank you for sharing. what a nice memory Frank. Thank you for sharing. what a nice memory Frank. Thank you for sharing.

Frank Dane

Dear Karen and Family,

I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I knew Jim and worked with him on and off for over 30 years. I’m very thankful that I had the opportunity to speak with him during the last holiday season. I didn’t know it then but it was our goodbye conversation. Jim was the only mentor I ever had. His spirit and drive were contagious and he inspired me, and so many others, to accomplish things we never would have accomplished without his leadership.

When it comes to business decisions, I owe my moral compass to Jim’s example. To this day, when I have to make difficult business decisions I ask myself: what would Jim do in these circumstances. He demonstrated the highest level of what is missing in many business people these days, that is, integrity and loyalty. I witnessed those positive characteristics demonstrated many times over the years by his treatment of employees, vendors, shareholders and others. Some of the proudest moments in my business career came from witnessing him make hard decisions because they were the right decisions to make. He made those decisions even though alternate decisions would have benefited him personally more than taking the right action, which he did.

Besides being part of his business team both Margi and I came to consider Jim and his family as part of our extended family. We hold very dearly the memories we have of sharing life events with him and Karen, such as Jeff’s wedding and Caitlin’s Bat Mitzvah.

Jim will be missed by many and the world is a bit dimmer without his guiding light. Margi and I join you and your family in your sorrow.

Frank Dane

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Jeff Dao

Hi, Frank. Thanks for your kind words. You were a true friend to my father and I thank you for all the support... Read more Hi, Frank. Thanks for your kind words. You were a true friend to my father and I thank you for all the support and friendship ... Read more Hi, Frank. Thanks for your kind words. You were a true... Read more

Donna Dao-Willins

Hello Frank, Thank you for your message and tribute to my father. Your heartfelt words mean a lot to us.... Read more Hello Frank, Thank you for your message and tribute to my father. Your heartfelt words mean a lot to us. Hello Frank, Thank you for your message and tribute... Read more

Jeff Dao

Hillsborough, CA, USA

Lana and Seeka (on left) with Jim Dao's family (photo courtesy of Cousin Lana)

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Donna Dao-Willins

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Jeff Dao

China

Jim, his father, Brother Tom, Brother John (photo courtesy of cousin Lana)

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Donna Dao-Willins

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Donna Dao-Willins

One of my favorite memories taken of dad, Yeh Yeh, Uncle Tom and Uncle John!. One of my favorite memories taken of dad, Yeh Yeh, Uncle Tom and Uncle John!. One of my favorite memories taken of dad, Yeh Yeh, ... Read more

Mark and Nora

Whoohee, Mark and I remember “the EST Sessions”—intense, but only because, as Eric noted, we had to scramble to think of something “meaningful” but relatable to share. Somehow “I learned to play tennis this year” just didn’t seem on first blush to quite meet the expectation of the exercise. But in retrospect I think Uncle James would take joy to know one of the “next generation” was learning a new skill. Only Uncle James would ask us to think purposefully about the memories of life and share with others.

Yep, Uncle James one of a kind as an uncle—focused on purposeful work but never afraid to play, too. He was never one to shy away from mixing a little “fun” into life. Fortunately, many of us as his nieces and nephews, were the beneficiaries of his zest for life. For instance, Uncle James and Aunt Karen introduced us to skiing. And, of course, with first ski lessons in Tahoe one also got a lesson in how to play blackjack because, after all, one has to pay for dinner after a full day of skiing! Uncle James also introduced me to the joy of hitting a golf ball—I see why hitting a ball “just right” over acres of land and into a little hole 18 times repeatedly can be an addiction for some.

We remember his huge grin, jaunty gait, dapper wardrobe, and never-graying hair (how’d he do that?). We remember his joy to just go—not to travel to anywhere specific, but just to see a view. The moon. Or the sunset. Or the ocean. His “EST” lesson to us has been to see the small things in life which are in front of us daily.

The pain of loss of most great for those left behind. We all are here for you, Aunt Karen, Donna, Debbie, Sean, Jeff, Joanne, Natalie, Jessica, and JT. Our love and hugs.

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Jeff Dao

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Jeff Dao

Hi, Mark and Nora. Thank you both for sharing. My father was always very proud of your commitment and accomplishments... Read more Hi, Mark and Nora. Thank you both for sharing. My father was always very proud of your commitment and accomplishments in advancing... Read more Hi, Mark and Nora. Thank you both for sharing. My father... Read more

Maurice Boucher

Dear Karen and Jeff,

i am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I feel very sad I lost touch with you all and Jim and I would give a lot to have chatted with Jim again. I cherish the years working with you all. Jim had a huge influence on my life and I often think of his larger-than-life personality. His energy and optimism were stunningly impressive to be around. I fondly recall him calling me at all hours of the day or night, with his opening line always "this is Jim Dao". Makes me smile remembering his voice. My wife always made us go on holidays to places that had no phones (this was pre-smart phones) so Jim could not call me, as holidays or weekends did not deter Jim from working....which meant you worked when he did. I loved that about him.....single-minded and boundless energy to create and build. He contributed so much to this world. He will be sorely missed and often remembered. We can only all aspire to "be like Jim Dao". He was a "builder", which is great praise. RIP Jim. Your friend, Maurice Boucher

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Jeff Dao

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Jeff Dao

Hi, Maurice. Thanks for sharing your memories. Made me smile! My father was very fond of you and he enjoyed... Read more Hi, Maurice. Thanks for sharing your memories. Made me smile! My father was very fond of you and he enjoyed being a part of the... Read more Hi, Maurice. Thanks for sharing your memories. Made... Read more

Maurice Boucher

Thank you for saying that Jeff. It means a lot to me. I count your father as a key mentor in my life. He... Read more Thank you for saying that Jeff. It means a lot to me. I count your father as a key mentor in my life. He not only had energy ... Read more Thank you for saying that Jeff. It means a lot to me.... Read more

Debbie Dao

2019, Henderson, NV, USA

Here’s the correct photo. The previous one was dad dancing on Christmas day with Sean playing the piano. He lived life to the fullest while making everyone smile!

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Jeff Dao

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Debbie Dao

2019, Henderson, NV, USA

Christmas Eve with my Dad, Mutti, Sean and Trudy!

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Jeff Dao

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Debbie Dao

Opps. This was Christmas Day. Sean was playing the piano and dad was dancing away! Opps. This was Christmas Day. Sean was playing the piano and dad was dancing away! Opps. This was Christmas Day. Sean was playing the ... Read more

Debbie Dao

Dad and the family at my 50th birthday party. Always looking so dapper and handsome. All of my friends thought dad was in his early 60s!

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

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Jeff Dao

2010, San Mateo, CA, USA

Chinese New Year/Valentine's Day Double Header

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Donna Dao-Willins

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Jeff Dao

2009, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

A Day at the Beach

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Donna Dao-Willins

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Eric - Margaret - Daron - Trent

As most of you know, marrying into a large, very-tight knit family is not always the easiest hurdle to overcome. I married a niece (Margaret) of Uncle James’ back in 1987 (Wow!), so I was pretty far down in the family hierarchy. I will always be grateful to Uncle James because from the day we first met, he greeted me with his warm, signature ear-to-ear smile and took the time to talk to me about whatever the subject of the day was… and that was a pretty wide spectrum with Uncle James. And over the years, whether he was having a good day or a bad day (I could never tell…he was always so positive), his interactions with me never wavered…always friendly, curious and informative.

There was one time, I initially was not so sure his inclusiveness was to my liking. One of the first family gatherings I attended began with the usual great family meal. Then, Uncle James stood up and addressed the family. He told us about significant events that had taken place in his life over the past year and his feelings on certain current events/ topics. Then, he invited another family member to speak. This was all very interesting to me because in my family this would not have happened. I enjoyed it thoroughly…Some people laughed, some cried, and some laughed while crying! So much for the stoic Asian family. I soon realized that the “inclusive” Uncle James was calling on everyone. I leaned over and whispered to Margaret, “Is he going to call on me??!!”. Margaret gave a little smile and said “Yep!”. At that point my emotions switched to outright FEAR! I must admit that at that point I didn’t hear a word anyone said and went numb. I had nothing to say that I thought would be of interest to the family. Maybe I could just hide in the restroom. Eventually, I cobbled some mindless stuff together to talk about. Of course, Uncle James must have sensed my apprehension and came through for me by asking me some “softball” questions that made my “initiation” that much easier.
Eventually, Margaret and I laughingly named these events “EST sessions”. Believe it or not, I have come to enjoy the “EST sessions,” always encouraging me to think about life events on the way to dinner and what interesting things everyone was up to.

Thank you, Uncle James for reaching out, including me, and always making me feel welcome. As it turns out, as I have come to know all the Dao’s and extended family, you are all a very welcoming, friendly and loving group. Thank you for including me in the family.

Eric (Margaret, Daron and Trent)

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

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Scott Allan

Great memory Eric. The big family meals (and wresting matches over the bill) were certainly special. Thanks... Read more Great memory Eric. The big family meals (and wresting matches over the bill) were certainly special. Thanks for sharing! Great memory Eric. The big family meals (and wresting... Read more

Jeff Dao

Thanks for sharing this memory, Eric! Let's keep the EST tradition going (and avoid wrestling over the bill...I... Read more Thanks for sharing this memory, Eric! Let's keep the EST tradition going (and avoid wrestling over the bill...I already had two... Read more Thanks for sharing this memory, Eric! Let's keep the... Read more

Debbie Dao

Thanks for your kind words. I’m so grateful that Sean and I can get together with your family in LA. Thanks for your kind words. I’m so grateful that Sean and I can get together with your family in LA. Thanks for your kind words. I’m so grateful that Sean... Read more

Donna Dao-Willins

Eric. Wow Great memory. Thanks for sharing the story with us. ❤️😎. Eric. Wow Great memory. Thanks for sharing the story with us. ❤️😎. Eric. Wow Great memory. Thanks for sharing the story... Read more

Donna Dao-Willins

2015, Asilomar Hotel Pacific Grove, CA, USA

Dad with his siblings Dao Family reunion

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Rebecca Cornia

Jeff Dao

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Debbie Dao

Our wonderful Christmas Eve together!

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Dee Walton

Jeff Dao

Rebecca Cornia

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Dee Walton

What a lovely memory & a lovely family. Thank you for sharing. What a lovely memory & a lovely family. Thank you for sharing. What a lovely memory & a lovely family. Thank you for... Read more

Robin T W Yuan

Wilshire Country Club, Los Angeles

Jim, me, and Jerry

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

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Jessica Willins

2018, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

College graduation with GongGong & Omi at the University of Alabama. I will forever hold this memory close to my heart.

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

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Donna Dao-Willins

Is a great memory Jess. Your grandfather was so very proud of you and all your efforts. ❤️ Is a great memory Jess. Your grandfather was so very proud of you and all your efforts. ❤️ Is a great memory Jess. Your grandfather was so very... Read more

Robin T W Yuan

Jim was an out-of-the-box visionary with a huge, warm heart and a wonderful sense of humor. His example as loving husband, father, and friend is humbling and inspiring. He will be fondly remembered as someone who made the world a better place. My sincere condolences to his extraordinary family. Robin

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Jeff Dao

Robin T W Yuan

Donna Dao-Willins

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Gary McKillican

We have been Jim & Karen’s next door neighbors & friends for the past 15 years. Jim was a kind and decent person who showed interest in others and was sincere in his friendship. When our daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in Canada, Jim, through his network of top level health care doctors arranged to get her in a trial in Vancouver. Although at the end this did not play out as we all hoped the efforts and kindness Jim displayed will never be forgotten. All of us who knew Jim had a glimpse of his tremendous focus and intellect but for Lynn & I, our fondest memories of Jim will be the friendship and sincerity he offered to us. Our deepest condolences to Karen, Jeff and family. A life “well lived”...

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

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Susan Giambelluca

Flathead Lake, Montana, USA

Jim & Karen SMILES boating on Flathead

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

Rebecca Cornia

Debbie Dao

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Jeff Dao

Hi, Susan. Many thanks for sharing this wonderful photo! Hi, Susan. Many thanks for sharing this wonderful photo! Hi, Susan. Many thanks for sharing this wonderful ... Read more

Debbie Dao

Martha thanks for also taking the photo of my step mom kissing my dad it’s now her screen saver on her phone!... Read more Martha thanks for also taking the photo of my step mom kissing my dad it’s now her screen saver on her phone! Martha thanks for also taking the photo of my step ... Read more

Susan Giambelluca

Dear Karen and family,
We had the special opportunity to get to know Jim and Karen through our family Jan & Jerry Norskog and what a gift it was!
Jim was so special, always a smile on his face, kind words on his tongue, great sense of humor and a never ending quest for knowledge and always wanting to make a difference! And he was always so humble…….
Jim got a kick out of hearing my husband Bob’s storytelling about growing up Italian and Bob loved embellishing the “Mafia” memories to keep Jim intrigued.
The last time we spent in Montana, my family had more one on one time with him and Karen out boating (pic attached) and a drive from Bigfork to Missoula where we talked and laughed the whole ride.
Jim will be so very missed!
Karen, we love you and know we are here for you! Don’t be a stranger…..
Hugs & Prayers from Susie & Bob Giambelluca

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Jeff Dao

Donna Dao-Willins

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James Dao

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