Cancer is awful, and it recently took my friend, Jim Kwok, way too soon.
Jim was a devoted husband, caring father, hard-working business leader, and a courageous fighter. I will always admire how he chose to live his final days demonstrating the power of positivity and gratitude for the good and simple things. He used his final years to love his family and reconnect with many friends from around the world. He’d often describe to me the view from his window, overlooking the green grass, the trees, and the gorgeous sunrise – and in his voice, there would be a sense of appreciation and awe.
From Jim’s words: “I feel as in love with life as ever. Maybe more so now as it’s preciousness rings louder and louder. My favorite part of the day is the early morning and seeing how beautiful everything looks in the early sunlight. I wish that view would remain uninterrupted.”
Jim is a mentor to me regarding how we square off with the toughest circumstances and allow these to elevate our lives and maximize our impact. He left this world better than he found it, and I’ll miss him – along with so many family and friends who loved and respected him.
From Jim: “the greatest champions are also the best losers. Every player loses key points, sets, and matches. The great ones balance the reality of setbacks against an unflinching positive belief in themselves and what lies ahead. Adversity and losses are inescapable.”
Jim and I crossed paths three times, first in Hong Kong as kids, secondly at a conference where I was speaking to his team, and – more recently – on a series of phone calls and on our No Barriers podcast during his final months.
From Jim: “Even though my body continues to weaken, I am a lot more than a physical vessel. I’ve got a soul and an attitude that burns brightly… But at its worse moments, when cancer drags me down the alley and puts his beat down on me for hours, I know this one thing – life is good. It is truly good.”
Jim is forever a part of my No Barriers family. Rest easy, friend.
Jim’s Obituary
Jim’s No Barriers Podcast Episode
