Isao "Pancho" Nakashima
September 18, 1922 - October 27, 2011
Obituary
Isao “Pancho” Nakashima, Sept 18, 1922 – October 27, 2011. He was a devoted husband, father of two sons & two daughters, a brother, and a valued friend to many. He lived a full life and left behind many happy memories for us all to cherish.
Pancho was born in Seattle, WA to Yoshino & Kamesaburo Nakashima. He attended Bailey Gatzert Elementary and Broadway High School in Central Seattle. He was a UW Economics and Business sophomore when he was taken to the Puyallup Assembly and the Minidoka WRA centers. While at Minidoka, he resisted the draft order and was sentenced to two years at the McNeil Island (WA) federal penitentiary. In 1947, President Harry S. Truman grants full pardons to the 267 Japanese Americans who had been convicted of violating the Selective Service Act. An historic ceremony was held in 2008 to confer honorary Bachelor of Arts degrees upon 447 Japanese American students who were forced to leave the University during World War II.
After the war he returned to Seattle to join his family. He owned his own Phillips 66 service station. Later, he sold his business and joined Seattle Metro where he retired as Chief of Maintenance. He also played baseball, as a pitcher and first base man, for the Seattle Cadets and the Savoys. In 1953 he married Sachi Nakata from Portland, OR, and they had two sons (Mays and Carter) and two daughters (Connie and Carole).
He was a respected left-handed bowler (high game: 289), a skilled fisherman, a patron of Longacres for horse racing, and a passionate spectator of sports of all kinds especially the Mariners. During his early years, he was an active competitor in baseball, kendo and bowling. He named his sons after famous sportsmen who he admired.
Pancho loved taking his young family for frequent visits to Alki Point for dinner by campfire and many trips to hunt Matsutake mushrooms, razor clams, oysters, and crabs. He found peace and joy in taking long walks by the lake with his three dogs named Jones, Jonesy, and Jonesy. He had many friends at Imperial Lanes, South China Restaurant, and his favorite taverns in the Columbia City, Beacon Hill, and Seattle Center districts.
During his last years, he showed his love and respect for his wife, Sachi, by diligently taking care of her after she had a stroke, first at home and then at Seattle Keiro, Nikkei Concerns’ skilled nursing facility, by keeping her company for hours every day. It was his greatest concern that she receive the best care in the best environment for her. At Keiro, he made many friends and we greatly appreciate all of you who gave him companionship, rides, gifts, and friendship over the years. Special thanks to Jim Nelsen for 20 years of financial guidance and personal friendship.
Pancho is survived by his wife; Sachi, one brother; Haggie Nakashima (Tomiko), two sons; Mays Nakashima of Great Falls, VA, Carter Nakashima of Dallas, TX, two daughters; Connie Jusenius (Ron) of Kent, WA, Carole Nakashima of Seattle, WA.
Per his request, his remains will be cremated and a private family celebration of his life will be held.
In lieu of cards and letters, please post your thoughts and wishes to this site. Feel free to describe a funny story or a time you spent together with Pancho. The family will be sure to read them all. To send a private message, please send an email to: mnakamail-memorial@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your friendship and support for our family throughout the years.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Bev Akada and Family
We are sorry for your loss – though we never had the opportunity to meet him, through the many stories heard, we know he was a special person.
Pancho, ever the loyal and devoted husband who was always one of the first people I saw when visiting my dad at Keiro. At mealtimes he often had his portable battery-operated radio held up to his ear so he could listen to one of the games. Sometimes he would be happy to take a musubi or fresh corn. He was always cheerful and pleasant and I’m sure his unfailing presence at his wife’s side was a great comfort to her. I’m glad to read he led a full and happy life. IRest in peace Pancho
It is hard to believe that Pancho is gone. I enjoyed giving him food that I brought from home for my mom and others that he would often share with Sachi. We had wonderful conversations about his youth, growing up and sports, when I gave him rides to his home after dinner. Pancho also was able to share a bit with my husband, who was working on the booklet for the “Long Journey Home” for UW students whose education was cut short due to WWII. I am glad he was able to receive it a few months ago.
To: Mays Family:
Please accept our sincerest condolences for your loss. We are friends so don’t hesitate to ask us for anything.
Thanks,
Grace and John
My sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the Nakashima family during this time of sorrow. I have been blessed to know Mr. Nakashima since my days at Franklin High School with Mays ’73. I have many fond memories of visiting Mr. Nakashima along with Mrs. Nakashima over the many years at their home near Franklin. Mr. Nakashima was always very down to earth and friendly and I always felt at home when visiting. He was such a devoted family man who very much cherished his family.
So sorry that I never did get to meet your father. I’m sure I would have enjoyed getting to know him. Please extend my sympathy and condolences to the entire Nakashima family for their loss. As you know, if you need anything, please just ask.
Thank you for sharing this website. It was wonderful to read about him.
With great sympathy,
Mayumi
My sincere condolances to the Nakashima family!! Clearly a special person of devotion and love.
Having recently lost family members myself, I find it comforting to remember that the history and love that we shared with them is never gone. It is always there in our memories to be called upon at those moments when we miss them.
My deepest sympathies,
Gail Crockett
My prayers are for God’s peace to fill your hearts and your homes. May your memories of Pancho endure. This wonderful memorial website certainly helped me to know more about him.
Although we never met Mr. Nakashima, we have most assuredly encountered him by his imprint on his son, Mays, whom we have known these past 30 years. Your memorial beautifully reveals a life which certainly graced more people in more ways than you could ever know. “Let perpetual light shine upon him, O Lord. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Lisa and Dennis Defensor
What a beautiful story of love, friendship, and a life well lived your father leaves for us all. We send our love and prayers to you Mays, dear friend, and to your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mays, during this difficult time. The Lord is good and will comfort you and will not disappoint.
Our Heartfelt condolences for late Father passing. Tho’ never met the man, your vivid description of his life portrays a man at peace with Himself, his neighbor, his environment. I can see a man who loves celebrating Family Life and Family Togetherness. May these qualities he has impacted others with live on in, and comfort those who know him best. May God’s Grace, Comfort And Strength Be With Your Spirit Always.
Mays,
We wish to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face this tremendously difficult time. Please take care.
Badrul
Dear Mays
Pancho a very devoted husband to his wife Sachi. He was always at Seattle Keiro taking care of his wife, not a day went by without seeing him there by her side. I will miss him for all the weekly talks we had. May you rest in peace my friend.
He was one handsome dude and sounds like such a multi-faceted person. I hope most of your memories of him are very happy and that they sustain you
Dear Mays and family,
I did not know your father but I have had the pleasure of Mays coming in to the Maplewood Grill in Vienna Virginia and singing songs and telling me about how he got his name from his father loving Willie Mays…and the game of baseball….
I salute your father ……
God Bless
Reinhardt