James La

James La, 76, born on January 16, 1949, in Tan An, Viet Nam, passed away May 07, 2025. He resided in Anaheim, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cypress, CA.

Never faltering in his devotion to his family, he made unimaginable sacrifices, giving his all to ensure their well-being. He was among the countless souls who joined the exodus of "boat people," fleeing his beloved yet war-torn land that shaped him. Arriving in France in the late 1970s, he faced the daunting challenge of an unfamiliar language and culture. Yet, through sheer perseverance and tireless hard work, he forged a new life, finding solace and unwavering support in the lifelong friendships of French benevolent humanitarians that blossomed into family. A decade later, in 1987, he once again sought a new beginning—this time in America, longing to be closer to his parents and embarking on yet another journey of reinvention.

He was an imperfect man, flawed as all humans are, yet defined by an unbreakable love for his family. Though his life was marked by regrets and turmoil, he carried no bitterness, no resentment toward others. The same youthful fervor that led him to enlist in the South Vietnamese army to defend his homeland was mirrored in his resolve to rebuild his life twice over, always driven by the need to safeguard and provide for his loved ones. Hardship and obstacles never hardened his heart—he harbored neither envy nor resentment toward the more fortunate. Instead, he remained steadfast in his generosity, extending kindness even when his own resources were meager. His spirit of provision knew no bounds; he raised his younger sister’s son when she could not, and embraced as his own the daughter of his surviving spouse.

As his journey neared its end, his sole wish was simple yet profound—that his children and grandchildren, scattered across North America, Asia, and Europe, representing a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures—Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Hispanic, Filipino, French, West African, and, in time, Scottish Irish—remain bound by love, united as one family.

He is survived by his children, bonus daughter and his younger sister's son (Trung La, Derek La, Caroline Donnelly, Anthony La, Linh La, Corinne AnhThu Cao, Stacy Truong, and Tan Nguyen).

His legacy will live on in his grandchildren that he adored and gave him the will to fight as long as he did: Joshua Rodil La, Megan Rodil La, Timothy Rodil La, Kestin Rey La, Kody Ming La, Mia Theresa La, Natalie Rose La, Zelig Kim Son Hercberg-La, Correia Fernandes Cao Swan Le-Vy, Correia Fernandes Cao Mainalyne Mai-Lan, Rayden Truong, Keyton Truong and Vyllai Nguyen.

Rest in Peace Dad/Grandpa.  We love you and miss you every day.