James Young, also known as Young Woon Gung

Portrait of James Young, also known as Young Woon Gung.

Young Woon Gung was born in Ping-di village, Guangzhou Province, China in 1903.  He emigrated to New Zealand at the age of 16. On a return visit to China when he was aged 21 he married Ng Wong Sue, who was aged 17.

He and his wife settled in Wellington and for a short time in Waipukurau, where he had businesses. There were six children of the marriage, four of whom are still living.

James was very involved in community affairs and  sporting activities,   being an active member of the New Zealand Chinese Association, the Tung Jung Association and was a foundation member of the Wellington Chinese Sports and Cultural Centre. Between 1949 and 1956 he was President of the Northern Association Football Club, the Northern Mens' Indoor Basketball Club, the Northern Football Club and the Eastern Indoor Basketball Club.   

James died at Wellington in 1979, aged seventy-six.