He was born on February 12, 1927 in San Vicente, Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines, son of Godofredo and Maxima (Angeles) Datu. Dr. Datu graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School in 1954. He practiced general medicine and surgery in the Philippines. He worked for Operation Brotherhood in Laos from 1960-1962. From 1967-1970 he worked as a medical officer in Malaysia. He then immigrated to the United States with his wife Joan and two daughters in 1970.
Dr. Datu secured himself an internship and residency in Chicago, IL. After successfully completing his training, he pursued his career in radiology and became certified in Nuclear Medicine
From 1981-1992, he served as Commander in the United States Navy, stationed in Groton, CT, and Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines. He was in Subic when the Mount Pinatubo volcano erupted, and was one of the last ones to leave. He joined the many medical missions sponsored by the U.S. Navy to disaster victims, and became active in serving the healthcare needs of the Aeta aboriginal tribes of the surrounding area.
He then founded the Love for Life Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the poor and needy of his homeland, the Philippines. He was a true humanitarian who was devoted to helping the poor and forgotten: his life was dedicated to helping those less fortunate.
Dr. Datu worked in the private sector as well, such as the Appalachian Regional Hospital, Hazard, KY. He was an active participant in the Connecticut Association of Philippine Physicians and the University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He successfully helped his children through college and medical school.
He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the many people he has helped throughout his life.
Jess Datu gave his life as a medical doctor so that others may live. His monument will not be a statue, placed in some obscure location, but in the hearts of those he served and their offspring for future generations. They know that they are here today because of the loving care and skills of Dr. Jess Datu.
He is a remarkable man who is unique among us whose life is driven by his passion to serve those who are ignored or forgotten by society.
I will always remember his youthful enthusiasm when he speaks of his project, always with the positive attitude that somehow it will be done.
He is certainly one of the most extraordinary men I am honored to know.
With God's blessing and grace, his dream for the Filipino people will be realized.
I remember my last meeting with him. At 10 pm, he picked up old clothes and shoes for the poor people of the Philippines.
He had a big and generous heart.
His interest in the welfare of the Aetas of Zambales will continue to inspire others to share the gift of life with the needy, his passion.
I will sorely miss him. A true gentleman, whose word is his bond.
Jess was one of the strongest pillars of the Filipino community in Connecticut. A bona-fide, big-hearted humanitarian, and a wonderful friend to me and many others...It was through him that we have many charitable projects in the Philippines, and most of them still ongoing.
He is a pillar and a legend in our community.
A man with a big heart, full of humility, always with a smile on his face when you meet him.
A great USThomasian
I will always remember him who shepherded our clans to be close to one another.
I will surely miss him. A true gentleman, whose name will serve as an inspiration for us here (in the Philippines).
An incredible person and an inspiration to many.
He was loved by everybody.