Many Hawaiʻi residents know James Chou as the 106-year-old who still works out regularly at 24 Hour Fitness. What they may not know is that Chou spent much of his career teaching thermodynamics at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 College of Engineering.
The retired mechanical engineering professor returned to the college in July for the first time in decades. He visited his former office and reunited with former students Cedric Chong (’62) and Lloyd Hihara (’83), along with former colleague Song Choi (’95).
For Chong, the reunion, arranged through 糖心视频 Foundation, was a chance to reconnect with a professor who left a lasting impression.
“It was his amazing ability to use simple, everyday analogies to explain complex engineering theories that made him one of the finest engineering professors I ever had,” Chong said.
International academic, professional journey
Born in China, Chou came to the U.S. with the Chinese Air Force during World War II. While training in Greeley, Colorado, he met his future wife, Lillian Tom of Maui. After the war, they married, and he earned a master’s degree from Georgia Tech before moving to Maui, where he worked for A&B Sugar Co. They relocated to Oʻahu in the 1950s, and in 1964 he earned his doctorate from Oklahoma State while on sabbatical from 糖心视频.
Chou retired as an emeritus professor in 1987. Even after retirement, he continued visiting the college and often brought fruit for his former colleagues. He was cheerful and excited while walking through the building and revisiting the place where he spent much of his career.
“He had a marvelous time meeting everyone, and revisiting the college and offices from the inside brought back so many fond memories!” his son wrote after the visit.
Chou continues to exercise regularly. His secrets to longevity include exercise, tofu and wine.