[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2891-S2892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          REMEMBERING JIM SHEE

 Mr. KELLY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of James Hong Shee, a respected Arizona community leader whose 
decades of civic engagement, business leadership, and public advocacy 
helped strengthen communities across our State.
  Born into a Chinese and Spanish American family, Jim developed a 
lifelong appreciation for Arizona's cultural diversity and the 
importance of building connections among people from different 
backgrounds. His family operated the Peking Cafe, a longtime Phoenix 
restaurant that became a gathering place for residents from throughout 
the community.
  Jim dedicated much of his life to expanding economic opportunity and 
civic participation in Arizona. In 1993, he founded the Arizona Asian 
Chamber of Commerce, helping establish an organization that has 
supported Asian-owned businesses and strengthened Arizona's economy for 
more than three decades. He also founded the Phoenix Asian-Hispanic 
Alliance, recognizing the importance of collaboration among Arizona's 
diverse communities.
  Throughout his career, Jim worked to ensure that Arizona's Asian 
American community had a stronger voice in public affairs. A respected 
leader and advocate, he encouraged greater participation in business, 
community organizations, and public service. During periods of 
significant debate over immigration and civil rights issues in Arizona, 
he spoke out against policies he believed would divide communities and 
worked to foster constructive dialogue.
  Jim's contributions extended beyond the organizations he founded. He 
worked with civic, business, and community leaders across Arizona to 
promote greater understanding and cooperation among the State's diverse 
communities. His commitment to building relationships across 
communities earned him the respect of leaders and residents throughout 
Arizona.
  Arizona is stronger because of Jim's leadership, advocacy, and 
commitment to public service. His work expanded opportunities for 
others and fostered

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connections across communities that will endure for generations.
  My thoughts are with Jim's wife Marian, his family, friends, and all 
those mourning his loss. We honor Jim Shee's life of service and 
celebrate the lasting impact he had on Arizona and its people.

                          ____________________