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JAMES H. TAKEMORI (Age 89)
Of Alexandria, VA passed away after a brief illness on Friday, May 15, 2015. He is survived by his wife Helen of 58 years. Also survived by four daughters: Miki, Robin, Teri and Chrissy, their husbands and a host of grandchildren; sisters Irene Izumi and Gladyce Sumida and brother Edwin; and other relatives and friends. A Celebration-of-Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 1 p.m. at Alexandria Scottish Rite, 1430 West Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302. In lieu of flowers, please send donations/koden to Helen Takemori, 3213 Duke Street, Box 241, Alexandria, VA 22314. A Jim Takemori fund will be established for the promotion of Judo in the near future. Additional information can be found atwww.everlywheatley.com
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To the family, condolences. Jimmy was my Sensei at Washington Judo Club in the late 60’s. Learning from him, your uncle Edwin stayed with me thru College. In my senior year, I competed in and placed second in the all Oregon State University Judo Championships. When I competed, his and my code word was 442, “Go for Broke” the motto of the 442nd RCT of which your dad was a member of. I have since completed a career in the military, and much else, but the 442nds motto remains as well as memories. God bless you all.
Stephen A Ritchey
Friend
May 1, 2021
I find myself in these hard times missing Sensei Takemori more and more. I was fortunate enough to have incredible private instruction from Sensei Takemori for almost two years in Alexandria in the late 1990s. Along with Carlos Vasquez we had a weekly 3 hour Tuesday workout. I was a white belt, Carlos a Nikyu. As heavyweights he took it to us. Judo became my escape from playing minor league hockey. Those days his instruction was to make us assassins! Never easy on us..me, “Monster Baby”.. 6’3” 290 and “water Lily” Carlos 5’9” 245 he made sure we were in shape! I had wrestling and
Catch wrestling infusion but his Judo made me very successful in other grappling arts. Due to travel and hockey I came and went but always made time to let Sensei know how his lessons led me to many favorable places. Judo has always been my love and with the rise of other grappling arts I maintain that Judo when instructed like the ways of the Takamorki family is very hard to best.
I was lucky enough to become a Shodan through Carlos Vasquez who is a Nidan. Sadly, before I could have the validation through Mr. Takamori he passed. At 44 and years away the itch is returning. I have been able to teach tachiwaza and transitional newaza to some MMA guys who know the value of Judo but it’s nothing like having to change my Gi three times during one workout with Mr. Takamori.
The world will never see a man like him again. I love you, Sensei and your word, knowledge and heart will shine on through those who have had the honor of being your student.
Sean Frickleton, With Regards from Carlos Vasquez
Sean
Friend
October 30, 2020
My wonderful friend, Jimmy, is gone. But his memory will live on in his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
K Shaw
May 26, 2015
I was so saddened to hear of Jim's passing and want to extend my deepest sympathy to you, Helen, and all the girls and their families. I have fond memories of Jim as my son's Sensei for many years. Our family is so thankful he was a part of our lives.
Marilyn Tsunoda
May 24, 2015
Our hearts and thoughts are with the family during this time. His contributions to the world of judo were great, but the legacy he leaves behind in his children and grandchildren are greater. We will cherish our memories and thankful to be a part of his life.
Wayne & Sandra Tsunoda
May 24, 2015
A true martial arts master who always practiced the ultimate technique of being kind to his neighbors. May God be with his family and all those who mourn his passing.
Todd Guise
May 23, 2015
We remember seeing Mr. Takemori at many of the girls' games at TC Williams. He always had a smile. Seems like yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Bates Family
May 22, 2015
I was a little runt who first met Jimmy at the Washington Judo Club in the 1950s. He was as nice to me as he was to the really talented guys like Jim Bregman who eventually won an olympic medal in Tokyo. What a man and what a smile! I will never forget him.
Mike McCarthy
May 20, 2015
The Takemori family is in my thoughts and prayers. Everyone in the judo world will miss Jimmy's smile, positive attitude and his influence.
Warmest regards,
Tom Masterson
Tom Masterson
May 20, 2015
Uncle Jimmy you were always my favorite. I will always remember things you said to me and taught me. I will miss you always. I Love you always, Tomiko (Yo-yo), Matthew & Shawn Takeda
Tomiko Takeda
May 19, 2015
Death leaves a heartache nobody can heal, love leaves a memory nobody can steal.
May 19, 2015
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way....'
2 Thess. 3:16
v
May 19, 2015
with deepest admiration & respect, my sympathies
Bill Magee
May 19, 2015
Miki, I was saddened to learn of your dad's passing. I have a lot of nice memories of your dad. As a young judoka I always admired his judo techniques and his very kind and approachable personality. Every time Tohoku traveled to tournaments Charlie Chaves would tell us "Go find Jimmy and tell him I am here" and we would run about the place looking for your dad. He would always laugh when we found him and told him Charlie was looking for him. He has touched a lot of people's lives and will be missed, but never forgotten.
Bill DeAngelis
May 19, 2015
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