Amy Teramoto

Amy Teramoto obituary, San Jose, CA

Amy Teramoto

Amy Teramoto Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 17, 2025.
Amy Teramoto, lovingly known as Mrs. "T," passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84, due to a ruptured aortic aneurysm.

Born Amy Nakashima on June 14, 1941, in Chualar, California (Monterey County), she was the third of four children. At the age of one, her family was forced to flee California for Colorado due to World War II and Executive Order 9066. Thanks to the generosity of a kind Colorado family who allowed them to live on their property, the Nakashimas were able to avoid relocation to a Japanese internment camp.

After the war, her family returned to California and settled in Parlier (Fresno County), where Amy attended Locan Elementary and Parlier High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from San Francisco State University.

In 1966, just two days before her 25th birthday, Amy married her sweetheart, James (Jim) Teramoto. They made their home in San Jose, where they raised two daughters, Kim and Jennifer. Amy and Jim were happily married until his passing on May 28, 2009.

Amy's love for children and education led to a fulfilling career as an elementary school teacher that spanned over 35 years. Though she taught various grade levels, her heart belonged to Kindergarten. She left a lasting impression on hundreds of students and was affectionately known as "Mrs. T" by both children and adults. Even after retiring, she remained devoted to education-volunteering regularly in her grandchildren's classrooms and, more recently, helping in the classroom of her daughter Jenni, who followed in her footsteps as an elementary school teacher.

Outside of her dedication to teaching and family, Amy's passions included cheering on the Golden State Warriors, watching Korean dramas, reading romance novels (especially Danielle Steel), visiting casinos to play the penny slots, and sharing sweet treats-either homemade or store-bought-with those she loved.

Amy is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Teramoto, and her parents, Tsuyoshi and Ayako Nakashima. She is survived by her daughters Kim Teramoto Lum and Jennifer Wong, her son-in-law Keith Wong, and her grandchildren Jalen Wong, Brennan Wong, and Jia Lum. She is also survived by her siblings Yoshio Nakashima, Lucy Nomura, and Jim Nakashima.

Amy's kindness, dedication, and joyful spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 North 5th St., San Jose, CA 95112.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Amy Teramoto's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Judith Nakanishi

July 18, 2025

I first met Amy at Reedley Jr college
She always impressed me with her cheerfulness and friendship
We both entered San Francisco State College as Education majors. There, we
lived in the same dorm and later, shared an apartment together with 4 other girls
We were lifelong friends - I still remember attending dances with her and watching her do the jitterbug and the Peppermint Twist She was so cute
She was my Matron of Honor at my wedding and we shared a long distance friendship since I reside in Anaheim
Amy and I enjoyed texting, and telephone calls to stay in touch. We especially shared a love for Korean dramas. Ha ha.
I will miss my long time friend and her sweet voice.
My sincerest condolences to each and every one of you. She especially loved each of you so much. God bless you all
Judy Nakanishi

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Amy Teramoto's name

How to support Amy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Amy Teramoto's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Amy Teramoto's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?