Unless memory fails me, he is a pilot for Cathay Pacific. A lot of the Fragrant Harbour folks have been largely absent from the recent decline of the American airline environment. I've talked to several people from over there who are genuinely shocked that the deal Cathay offers is as good as it is by comparison.
In answer to the OP: Going on the assumption that you are still CX, I can say that your chances of an upgrade to J on UA are just about nil. As a matter of fact, getting a jumpseat at all on any US airline when you aren't in the Cockpit Access Security System is a bit dicey these days.