Tribute to the Memory of our Colleague James (Jim) M. Brock

AmCham-China mourns the loss of a close friend and leader, Mr. James (Jim) Brock of Cambridge Energy Research Associates.  On the evening of March 28, 2008, Jim died in Beijing peacefully following a sudden heart attack.

Jim had two decades of experience in China as an independent energy consultant in the coal, oil and power industries, and worked with many leading multinational companies in China and throughout Asia. 

Jim¡¯s impressive depth of knowledge and expertise in the energy sector was unrivaled by his peers, and he was the driving force behind AmCham¡¯s advocacy efforts in China¡¯s energy and power sectors.   His recent work on China¡¯s draft Energy Law will help shape China¡¯s energy policies for years to come.  Jim also authored or co-authored the energy industry chapter of AmCham¡¯s annual White Paper.

Originally from Hawaii, Jim lived in China for over 16 years and played an active role in building AmCham to the world-class organization that it is today. As both a member of the board of governors for three years and as a chair or co-chair of various working groups, committees and task forces for over nine years, Jim will be remembered for his extraordinary leadership in helping to develop AmCham¡¯s corporate governance policies and long range strategic plans and vision.

Jim¡¯s legacy will always be that of a man of reason, maturity, and wise counsel in helping to guide the board during his stewardship as a board member and as a facilitator in the board¡¯s orientation meetings. He was an entertaining and informative speaker and his presentations on energy issues demonstrated a knowledge of all facets of resource allocation, conservation, and energy policy development.

Jim was also on the Panel of Neutrals for the US-China Joint Mediation Center co-sponsored by CCPIT and the CPR Institute of Dispute Resolution and played a visionary role in helping to develop unique and effective dispute resolution mechanisms for business in China.

True to his roots, Jim was also well known for frequently wearing a Hawaiian shirt to AmCham meetings and functions.  His signature floral trade dress brought much-needed bold colors to the room, and was easily recognizable among the staid suits and ties. 

Jim¡¯s passing is sudden and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go to his wife Jiang Na. We know how much she has lost, but we know that mixed in with the sense of loss is a deep pride in all that Jim accomplished.

We have lost a wonderful colleague and friend, a man full of ideas and infectious enthusiasm, a man who had so much more to give. But he has left us with a great legacy that we must allow to flourish.

Jim¡¯s leadership, friendship, and passion will be missed. 

An informal Celebration of the Life of James (Jim) Brock was held on Thursday, April 3 at the Beijing Hilton Hotel.  Attendees at the gathering shared their thoughts and honored the work and contributions of Jim Brock.

Board of Governors

American Chamber of Commerce People¡¯s Republic of China