MURAKAMI, James Fumio
Born in Santa Rosa on September 7, 1926; passed from this earth on April 28, 2012. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 59 years of marriage, Margarette; son Alan (Renee), daughter Kimiye; grandchildren Michael, Mark, Danny, Ray, sister Fuji Kamatani and a host of relatives and friends.
Jim grew up in Sonoma County. After the Pearl Harbor attack, he and his family were incarcerated first in Merced and then in Amache, Colorado for three years. After serving in the US military, he entered then graduated from UC Berkeley.
Jim owned his own electrical/mechanical engineering business in Santa Rosa for over 40 years. He designed and installed heating and air conditioning systems in public schools, Catholic churches and commercial buildings.
In addition to his business and helping to raise a family, Jim was active in giving back to his community. Jim, a Nisei (second generation Japanese American) was past National president of the J.A.C.L. (Japanese American Citizens League). He was instrumental in passing the redress legislation which involved having the U.S. government apologize for the unjust incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. He continued to be active in the local JACL chapter.
Jim was a charter member and past president of the East Rotary organization. He loved to participate in activities that helped others.
In addition to attending the monthly Enman No Tomo gatherings where he visited with friends (and enjoyed playing poker), Jim also loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends, as well as striper fishing, reading, spending time in his garden and watching the Giants on TV with his wife.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, May 20 at 3:00 p.m. at the Community Church, 1000 Gravenstein Hwy No., Sebastopol.
Donations can be made to the organization of your choice.
Published in Herald Tribune from May 5 to May 7, 2012
