James Neal Nishio M.D.

James Neal Nishio, MD passed away at home in the embrace of his family on 9/15/15. He was diagnosed two weeks earlier with a brain tumor following a nearly nine year battle with ALS. Born in Fresno, CA on 9/8/48, Jim was the1966 valedictorian of Chowchilla Union HS, a 1970 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Davis, and received his MD at UCSF School of Medicine in 1974. He began Internal Medicine residency at the University of Michigan which was followed by a year as Chief Medical Resident, subsequent to which he completed fellowship training in Pulmonary Medicine. He joined Pulmonary Medicine Associates in Sacramento the summer of 1980 where he continued to practice in this partnership for three decades. He was board certified in both pulmonary and critical care, as well as receiving his certification in sleep disorders. In late 2006 he was diagnosed with ALS, but continued to work until his disease limitations forced retirement in July 2010. Prior to that Jim was active as a leader of the medical staff administration with Sutter and Dignity Health Systems including Medical Director of the Sutter General ICU and Sutter Sleep Center. He served as delegate to the CMA for many years. Jim was acknowledged as an outstanding clinician, respected colleague, and the voice of reason in times of stress. Jim was beloved by his cher-ished family, Dr. Denyse Nishio and their children Grant (Jennifer), Garrett, Lesley, and Ross who will grieve him forever. He is also survived by his siblings Dan (Thuy), Nancy Mah (Winston), John (Sandora), Wayne (Nadine) and Marilyn (Garry Wyndham). His sisters- in-law Susan Fox and Laura Fox (Thomas Macken) will also miss him. He leaves many beautiful nieces, nephews and cousins who will never forget him. Preceding in death were his parents Michiko and George Nishio, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his nephew Brian Macken. The family will never forget the loving care of his devoted care-givers who made such a wonderful difference in maintaining the quality, dignity and energy of his last years. The Nishios are forever grateful to them. The family's many dear friends continued to show their love and support in so many ways. They have been treasured gifts. A celebration of James Nishio's life will be held at Arden Hills Country Club on Monday, October 5, 2015, at 2:00 pm. The family request that, in lieu of flowers, any acknowledgements in his name be directed to the Sacramento ALS Association on behalf of the of team "Wish for Nish." They will be walking again on Saturday, October 3, 2015 in Jim's memory. Information can be found at the Sacramento ALS website, websac.alsa.org.