Jimmie Tabata

Jimmie Tabata, age 87, died May 10 at his Pacific Grove residence. He was born July 22, 1916 in Monterey. He served as Valedictorian of Monterey High School, Class of 1933. Following graduation at UC Berkeley in 1937, he returned to Monterey to help his father run Sunrise Company. At the beginning of World War II, the family closed Sunrise Company in 1942 and was sent first to the Fresno Relocation Center and later to Jerome, Arkansas. After Camp, the family relocated to Chicago. Jimmie married his wife, Cedar, on January 29, 1944 in Cleveland. They returned to Monterey from Chicago in 1946 to reopen Sunrise Grocery. Sunrise Grocery originally opened in 1919 concentrating on fishing supplies and serving the fishing fleets. After World War II began, the Federal Government prohibited Japanese fisherman from going out to sea, which cut off a large part of the store's business. Sunrise moved five times in its 85 years of business. Under Jimmie's leadership and, subsequently under this son Tom's direction, Sunrise always supported the Monterey Japanese Community and various civic groups. Jimmie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cedar; sons, James, Jr. and Thomas and three grandchildren, Marie, Leslie and Ryan. Private inurnment will take place at Monterey City Cemetery under the direction of The Paul Mortuary. A memorial service will be held at El Estero Presbyterian Church in Monterey on Saturday, May 15 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Central Coast, PO Box HH, Monterey, 93942.