James Kai Louie

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Questions?: info@jamesklouie.com

James Kai Louie, age 79, of Beaverton, Oregon passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025.

James Kai Louie, affectionately known to many as Jim or Jimmy, was a kind-hearted and generous soul, deeply devoted to his family, his faith, and the joy of hospitality. He passed away on July 14, 2025, in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Born on January 16, 1946, in Portland, Oregon, to Andrew and Amy Louie, James cultivated a life rooted in service and connection. He graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1964 and attended Portland State College for two years before answering the call to serve his country. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina with the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, achieving the rank of Spec4. Guided by a profound desire to heal rather than harm, James served as a medic and also trained as a paratrooper, dedicating himself to the recovery and care of others in a time marked by hardship. After being discharged from the Army he then served for a period of time with VISTA in Chicago. After returning to Portland, he again attended Portland State where he continued his studies in graphic design and worked at the VA Medical Center. Later, after becoming more involved in the family restaurant, he enrolled in the hospitality program at Portland Community College.

James shared a loving marriage with his wife, Helen Louie, celebrating 49 devoted years together. They met while both were working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center—a union that grew into a cherished family of three sons and six grandchildren, each a testament to their shared love and resilience.

Baseball held a special place in James’s heart, inspired early on by his admiration for Ted Williams. From playing in high school and teaching his younger brother David, to coaching and cheering on his sons, James lived the game with joy and unwavering enthusiasm. Well into his 50s, he continued to play in local adult leagues and made it a personal tradition to attend at least one Boston Red Sox game each season—his most recent in 2025.

James was a longtime member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, now Rise Church, where he contributed faithfully as an usher, liturgist, member of the Men’s Choir, and participant in the Thursday men’s Bible study. His presence was a steady light in the lives of those around him.

Perhaps most widely known as Co-owner of Huber’s Café in Portland, James began working there at age 14. He wore many hats—cashier, waiter, bartender—and in the late 1980s, he, along with Lucille and David, became co-owners and stewards of its enduring legacy. With a warm smile, dapper style, and uncanny ability to remember every face and name, James welcomed guests as if they were old friends. No matter who you were, James made you feel special.

James is survived by his beloved wife Helen, his three sons—David (Christine), James, and Timothy (Tess) and grandchildren Brianna, Patrick, Cameron, Jessica, Chiara and Genevieve and his younger brother David (Cynthia). His life was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire kindness, devotion, and the healing power of connection.