REMEMBERING JIM SHEE

On 2026-06-17, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING JIM SHEE" in the Senate.

REMEMBERING JIM SHEE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 102 (Wednesday, June 17, 2026) [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 [[Page S2892]] 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. ____________________