Jean H. Shing

Lifelong Lakeville resident, Jean H. Shing, passed away on May 17,2017 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marjorie (Chin), children, grandchildren, brother William P. Shing, two brother-in-laws, Arthur and Theodore Chin, and many nephews and nieces. Family descendants include Jeffrey, wife Kathryn (Kowalczyk) and daughter, Hannah; Caron, husband Kim Lau and son, Austin; Jonathan; and Jerald, partner Duane Diviney, son Kai and daughter Mika. Born on December 11, 1924, in Fall River, Massachusetts, Jean is the elder son of Lee G. & Toy Shee Shing who earned their U.S. citizenship after migrating from Canton China. The family survived the Depression Era, WWI, WWII and being the sole Chinese family in Lakeville. Jean was a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps, 14th Air Force, during WWII. He was stationed at Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio and proudly served in the CBI (China, Burma, India) Theater. He was in charge of his own squad of electricians in the 407th Service Squadron. Jean was inducted on May 17, 1943 and honorably discharged on January 9, 1946. His brother, Jeanon, also served in the Army during the same period. Jean started Shing Electric Co. and was partnered by his youngest brother, William, after his military service during the Korean War. Jean and Marge met through mutual friends at a social dance in Boston and he would travel to Chelsea to court her. They were married on August 27, 1950. They built our home at 60 Clear Pond Road, Lakeville where he resided with his wife and son, Jon, until illness. Jean enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing on his heavy equipment, and loved family gatherings. At these gatherings, he enjoyed and took pride in playing his accordion and harmonica. He was self-taught. He had always been a proponent of conservatism and the 2nd Amendment. Jean was a Benefactor Member of the NRA and a member of the Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club. He was a self-made entrepreneur, energetic, compassionate, caring, perfectionist, mentor and a "take charge guy". He never hesitated to give an opinion (in his later years, it didn't matter if you asked) and he was always willing to give helpful advice. Those who knew Jean will always remember the time he helped them out in some way. The "Patriarch" will be sadly missed. Visiting hours will be held in the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St. Middleboro, on Friday, June 2nd from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, June 3rd at 11 am. Burial will follow at Sampson Cemetery, Lakeville.