Cousin Jimmy
Vital Information
- Known as: “Cousin Jimmy”
- Mother: Tang Yunyu - Republican-era painter
- Connection: Related to Chan family through Jiaji Village ancestry
- Location: Associated with Shanghai (mother’s preserved house)
Family Background
Mother: Tang Yunyu (唐蕴玉)
Cousin Jimmy’s mother was Tang Yunyu, a distinguished Republican-era painter from Jiaji Village, Yongchun County, Fujian Province. Her artistic achievements were significant enough that her Shanghai residence has been preserved in perpetuity with a commemorative plaque.
According to John Louis Chan:
“Tang Yun Yu is cousin Jimmy’s mom, on the house in Shanghai she is on the plaque mounted outside the house as the reason why the house is preserved in perpetuity.”
Father
Father’s identity to be documented:
- Full name
- Occupation
- Connection to Zheng family of Jiaji Village
- When and where married Tang Yunyu
Connection to Chan Family
”Cousin” Relationship
Jimmy is referred to as “Cousin” by the Chan family, indicating:
- Extended family relationship to Jesse Chan
- Connection through Jiaji Village Zheng family network
- Likely related through the ancestral village clan ties
Relationship to be clarified:
- How is Jimmy related to Jesse Chan? (cousin through which line?)
- Is Jimmy’s father a Zheng from Jiaji Village?
- Is the relationship through Jesse’s paternal or maternal line?
- What generation is Jimmy in relation to Jesse?
John Louis Chan’s Knowledge
John Louis Chan (Jesse’s son) knows about:
- Tang Yunyu being Jimmy’s mother
- The preserved Shanghai house with plaque
- The connection to Jiaji Village notable figures
This suggests:
- Jimmy maintained contact with Chan family over generations
- The Shanghai house connection was known to family
- Jimmy’s family history was discussed within Chan family
Shanghai Connection
Mother’s Preserved House
Cousin Jimmy’s connection to Shanghai:
- Mother’s house preserved as cultural heritage
- Plaque identifies Tang Yunyu as reason for preservation
- House likely dates to Republican era (1910s-1940s)
- May have grown up in this house
Questions:
- Did Jimmy grow up in the preserved Shanghai house?
- Does Jimmy still live in Shanghai?
- Does family maintain the preserved property?
- Can other family members visit the house?
Jiaji Village Heritage
Tang Yunyu as Notable Figure
Cousin Jimmy’s mother is listed as one of four most distinguished people from Jiaji Village:
- Zheng Yushu (郑玉书) - Qing scholar, Philippine leader
- Tang Yunyu (唐蕴玉) - Republican painter (Jimmy’s mother)
- Zheng Cangman (郑仓满) - Southeast Asian Flour King
- Zheng Shaojian (郑少坚) - Uncle George, Philippine finance leader
This places Jimmy’s family in the context of Jiaji Village’s tradition of producing successful overseas Chinese and distinguished figures.
Village Saying
“夹际人出海成龙” - “Jiaji people who go overseas become dragons”
While Tang Yunyu achieved distinction in Shanghai (not overseas), she represents the village’s tradition of excellence.
Research Priorities
High Priority
- Full name (Jimmy is clearly a nickname)
- Chinese name
- Exact relationship to Jesse Chan
- Father’s identity and connection to Zheng family
- Current location and status
Medium Priority
- Dates of birth (and death if applicable)
- Occupation and career
- Education
- Marriage and children
- Siblings
- Current relationship with Chan family descendants
Shanghai House Details
- Exact address of preserved house in Shanghai
- Can house be visited by family?
- Are there family artifacts or Tang Yunyu’s artwork there?
- Who maintains the property now?
- Is it open to public or private residence?
Family History
- Did Jimmy know Jesse Chan personally?
- Has Jimmy visited Jiaji Village?
- Does Jimmy have family records or photos?
- Connection to other Zheng family members in Manila/Taiwan/USA?
Relationship to Loui Family
Through Jesse Chan’s connection to Jiaji Village and the extended Zheng family network, Cousin Jimmy is part of the broader family constellation that includes:
- Nicholas, Ryan, and Samantha Loui (Jesse’s grandchildren)
- Rose Loui (Jesse’s daughter who mentioned this connection)
- The entire Chan-Loui family line
The exact genealogical relationship needs documentation, but the connection is confirmed through:
- Shared Jiaji Village ancestry
- Jesse Chan’s family knowledge
- John Louis Chan’s awareness of Tang Yunyu and the preserved house
Timeline
| File | type | date | location |
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Sources
Notes
Significance
Cousin Jimmy represents:
- Artistic heritage - son of distinguished painter
- Shanghai cultural history - connection to preserved heritage site
- Jiaji Village network - extended family from ancestral village
- Cross-generational memory - known to John Louis Chan’s generation
Mother’s Achievement
Tang Yunyu’s house preservation indicates:
- Significant artistic contributions
- Recognition by Chinese cultural authorities
- Part of Shanghai’s Republican-era heritage
- Brings prestige to Jiaji Village and family
Family Network
The fact that John Louis Chan knows about:
- Cousin Jimmy
- Tang Yunyu as his mother
- The preserved Shanghai house
- The Jiaji Village connection
Shows that:
- Extended family history was shared across generations
- Shanghai connections maintained despite distance
- Cultural achievements celebrated within family
- Family pride in Tang Yunyu’s artistic legacy
Cousin Jimmy, son of Republican-era painter Tang Yunyu, connects the Chan-Loui family to Shanghai’s artistic heritage and Jiaji Village’s tradition of producing distinguished figures. His exact relationship to the family requires further documentation, but he represents the artistic dimension of the extended Zheng family network.