Jokichi Takamine Obituary

December 6, 1924 - December 18, 2013 Dr. Jokichi Takamine III, a nationally renowned physician for his lifetime of work and devotion in the field of alcoholism and drug dependency, died December 18th in Santa Monica, California at the age of 89. A graduate of Williams College and New York University Medical School, Dr. Takamine served his residency in internal medicine at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital and at Wadsworth V.A. Hospital in Los Angeles. A private practice physician since 1957 and beloved staff member of St. John's Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. Takamine and two colleagues founded the St. John's Chemical Dependency Center in 1974. He also served in many leadership and faculty roles, both in California and Washington D.C., including the Medical Directorship of the Chemical Dependency Units of several Los Angeles area community hospitals, as a faculty member (UCLA Clinic, U.S. Naval Hospital, UCLA Research Center) as well as an appointment to the American Medical Association Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. As the namesake and grandson of famed Japanese Biochemist, Jokichi Takamine, he was truly "one of a kind" and dedicated his life to helping others. This not only earned him many national and local awards of appreciation for his service, but more importantly, the love of his family, friends, patient's and colleagues. 'Joe', as he was known to friends, proudly served in the military and was an active member of the Brentwood Presbyterian Church. He had one sister, Caroline (deceased) and is survived by his daughter, Deborah Moyer. Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to donate, in lieu of flowers, to addiction treatment organizations such as Clare Foundation, Friendly House or Phoenix House. Burial services will be privately held.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Dec. 23, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dr. Takamine was my physician at St. John's Hospital in 1988 when I was being rehabilitated at the Chemical Dependency Center. He gave me an article to read called "Surrender vs Compliance In AA" and it has helped me immensely in my thirty-five years of recovery. Thank you for all your work and patience.

Douglas Richards

July 24, 2023

All the years we spent as colleagues and close friends were the best of my life. Knowing how much I learned from you could fill a library. May you continue to rest in peace and know how much I miss you every day. See you when I get there...

Love always, Suzi

Significant Other

December 17, 2020

I worked as a Temp. for Dr. Takamine III in the 1980's answering phones, filing etc, what a nice man he was and billiant! He really did try to help his patients become well and made sure they were taken care of like family while in the office that day!

Mary Welz

October 4, 2019

As young nursing students at LHH we were excited that a Japanese intern would be among our incoming interns. Imagine our startled expressions to meet Joe Takamini, tall & blond, friendly & gratious. I am sorry to be reading his obituary, but have that happy, startled memory of him. Living near Washington D.C. I have read about his grandfather's work in creating the disease resistant cherry trees & his discovery of adrenalin. It's no wonder he carried on his family's penchant for outstanding accomplishments. I am honored to have met him while a student at LHH. Joe, you were an asset to Lenox Hill Hospital

Mona Shaw

November 18, 2018

Dr. Suzi Schor

September 9, 2018

Jo and I were extremely close friends and colleagues. He was also a fatherly guide to my daughter, Kate. His passing leaves a hole in my heart only filled remembering our last dinner in Palm Springs together when he came to visit and see my dual diagnosis facility. G-d bless you till we meet again.

Dr. Suzi Schor

September 9, 2018

Joe was a dear friend for over 85 years. We grew up together as children in Merriewold, where he let me pretend I was the Empress of Japan playing on the thrown chairs in the great house.
We then dated as teenagers and were tennis partners.
Years later we reconnected and had a wonderful friendship with nightly conversations and many letters
Joe was a very private man, a great physician, and a loyal friend.

Connie Lovatt Clark Nelson
Vero Beach, Fl, and Forestburgh NY

October 5, 2014

I HAD SO MUCH RESPECT FOR DR TAKAMINI,JUST LEARNED OF HIS DEPARTURE
LAST SAW HIM AT SAINT JOHNS IN 2011.

October 4, 2014

I have known Joe since 1984. He played a major role in getting me sober, and he never gave up on me even when I faltered many times. He was such a compassionate man, and I loved him dearly. I will miss our phone calls , lunches and the many sweet letters and cards. Much love from Berit

Berit Shipman

September 23, 2014

I worked with Joe on the CDC unit at St. John's from 1977 to 1981. He was truly remarkable. Kathy Downer, Marietta Ohio

August 2, 2014

I was just looking on line to see what Joe was up too. so sorry to hear of his passing. He was good friends with my mom, anne moody gardiner . My grandparents bought Sho fu den . My mother was good friends with Joe. Even named our poodle Jokichi in the 70's when we lived in California and Joe was our dr.

melissa buchanan

June 22, 2014

On this special day that meant so much to you I hear your words with much love and constant caring forever.in my heart gentle hugs Debbie dear. With forever gtatitude for the joys j and I were able to share over these many years this candle is lit every day. Lovingly

sam kornfeld

May 26, 2014

Dr. Joe was such a wonderful friend and acquaintance. He was upfront and honest to everyone. He is missed by me, and by everyone who ever met him.

May 14, 2014

Though I personally had never met Dr. Takamine, I am saddened to learn of his passing. He was a dear friend of my stepmother since their childhood, and from entries written here, a wonderful person who touched many more lives. He will be deeply missed.

March 23, 2014

I am proud to have known Joe as a wonderfully kind friend and employer. His selfless devotion to so many people and his healing soul and warmth will shine for eternity. He will be greatly missed. Warmest blessings to Debbie.

Michael McKenna

January 12, 2014

Dr. Takamine has been on my mind of late. So, I decided to Google him and sadly I have been led to the page of his obituary. I worked w/ Dr. Takamine many years ago in the 11600 Wilshire Blvd. office. He was a wonderful employer and doctor. Compassionate and caring and a lovely and wonderful 'boss'. I have thought fondly of him throughout the years. And, I offer condolences to all of his family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed by the entire medical community, particularly in the SM area.

Muriel Zondervan (Sabel)

January 12, 2014

Dr Joe was a dear friend of my parents & he helped me learn to read & do math when I was a wild child w dyslexia. He remaind a friend of mine & was always available. Im so sorry for your loss. The world has lost an important force for good.

Kathe Green

January 1, 2014

Joe was a good friend as well as a wonderful, thoughtful colleague. He never failed to ask about my family. Joe will be sorely missed.
John Dalton

December 26, 2013

Dr. Joe will be truly missed by all of us at Vincenti Ristorante. He was a very special person and meant so much to all of us.

As always, he is in our prayers.

Lovingly, Maureen and Nicola

December 25, 2013

Jo was a dear friend and made many contributions to the field of Addiction Medicine.
David Smith

December 24, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted with knowing he brought help to many people and he touched many lives. Dr. Takamine always lit up every room he entered. I will never forget him.

Shelley Kornman

December 23, 2013

Our family is deeply saddened by Dr. Takamine's passing. He was a long time friend and will be greatly missed.
Claudia Hahn

December 23, 2013

Joe was an extraordinary person who always sought to help others. At Phoenix House in Venice he volunteered selflessly for decades. A dear friend who is irreplaceable - and an inspiration for us all.

Winnie Wechsler

December 23, 2013

Dr Joe was a sweeet, kind and caring man. I will always be grateful for the affection and care that he showed to my Mother Connie over the years.

guy clark

December 23, 2013

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