Janice M. Yamamoto
April 9, 1947 - August 20, 2012
Obituary
Jan passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 20. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Bruce; daughter Kristen (Jim) Wong; son Ryan; grandsons Jackson & Max Wong; sisters Nancy Nobuyama and Sharon (Jerry) Okubo; brothers Steve (Donna), Richard (Helen Nicdao), and Ron Nobuyama and many loving nieces and nephews. Jan was preceded in death by her parents James and Shizuko Nobuyama. Jan has touched many lives and will be deeply missed and loved by all. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 30, at 3pm at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church, 3001 24th Avenue South, Seattle 98144. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blaine Memorial for the Jan Yamamoto Mission Scholarship Fund.
My Dearest Jan,
God has blessed our love & life together for almost 47 years. It was September 1965; at Highline Community College. I was the young naive Freshman, still full of myself. “Joe Cool”, with sunglasses, briefcase, umbrella, wool jacket, and the most ugly two door gold-green Ford Galaxy. “Who is the cutie with the smile, beauty mark, shoulder length hair, mini skirt & go-go boots?” Wow, I was fully smitten, but too shy to make a move. Luckily, your three girlfriends realized I needed help! After meeting you I blushed and was tongue tied. The three girlfriends fibbed, telling me you, “had never been on a date, never kissed a boy, and had a very protective Dad.” I bit hook, line & sinker! Ha, ha, ha! After asking you out to a Saturday movie, you played along saying, “We will have to double date at the Japanese Theater with my folks”. It was great meeting Jim & Shiz. They were dressed up and ready to go; so friendly and happy about going to the movie. We walked out your front door, went down the stairs, they got into their car and drove off without us! Yep, I was the lollipop. I had been had!
You were my first and only. You are the love of my life! Always together, since we first started to date. Even when I was in Vietnam and you were back home you kept me close. For the 362 days we were apart you wrote to me each and every day.
Over our 41 years of marriage, you were the best Christian, Wife, Mother, Friend, Teacher, Sister, Cousin, Auntie, and Grandma. We have been truly blessed because you have touched so many lives. Your selflessness, generosity, and loving manner has been expressed by all. Your faithfulness has empowered us to continue. You have implored us to better health. You make us look forward without remorse or guilt. You give us purpose and direction.
We, Jim, Kristen, Jackson, Max, Ryan and I know you are watching over us. We miss your smile, your voice, your wink of approval, your quick wit, your ability to set us straight, our loving spats, our making up, and our expressions of love. There will never be another you. We know you are with God but we will miss you forever, until we see each other again.
All My Love,
Bruce
NOT SURE I CAN MAKE THE SERVICE WITH MY WALKER,
BUT WANTED TO ADD JAN WAS SUCH A GREAT
PERSON AND FRIEND. ENJOYED MANY HOURS
WITH HER.SHE WILL BE MISSED. ALWAYS A GOOD
WORD FOR EVERYONE AND SMILE TOO.
LOVE
JEAN
WE ENJOYED JAN AND WILL MIS HER VERY MUCH
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tremendously difficult time. Jan, a beautiful person inside and out, will be greatly missed. Let all the love that surrounds you now be your strength.
Our sincerest condolences,
David, Traci, Bella & Sam Irvine
JAN YOU WILL BE MISSED A WHOLE LOT FOR ALL YOUR
GENEROUS WAYS OF DOING THINGS AND SO HELPFUL.
IT WAS GREAT WORKING WITH YOU AT ROSSOE ALL
THESE YEARS. THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A LOVING
DEAR FRIEND !
Aunty Jan, I think about you and Uncle Bruce often. The relationship that you two shared with each other is something I admire. You once pulled me to the side and told me a personal story about your courtship; it really meant a lot to me and I wanted to thank you for sharing it. I have so much respect for you, your open mind & your open heart. You were always so generous and thoughtful . We still have many beautiful blankets that you made for our kids. I have many fond memories of spending holidays together with your family, making ginger bread houses and attending picnics. I wish I had the chance to reunite with you sooner. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your entire family.
-Kelley Jones (& family)
Bruce, we are all saddened to hear of your Jan’s death. We send you prayers and love as we know you are having a tough time. We know, though, Bruce, that we will all be together in eternity one day with our Savior and that is comfprt for us all. Love to you and your family! Come see us ! Gayle
Bruce, we are all saddened to hear of your Jan’s death. We send you prayers and love as we know you are having a tough time. We know, though, Bruce, that we will all be together in eternity one day with our Savior and that is comfprt for us all. Love to you and your family! Come see us ! Gayle
Dearest Bruce,Kristen, Ryan and Family.
Jan has alway held the most special place in my heart and the hearts of my family. Jan was the most genuine person i have every known. Beautiful on the out side and inside. The biggest heart of anyone I know.
Minutes after I shared the news of her death with my girls Kelley told me she had brought over a baby blanket and wanted to know if I wanted it back. She handed me a yellow quilt with Mickey and Minney on it. She didn’t know Jan had made it for Chris before he was born.? It had been out of my house for 18 years? I will treasure this quilt forever. Love Always, Patty
“Goodbye My Friend”
Oh, we never know where life will take us
We know it’s just a ride on the wheel
And we never know when death will shake us
And we wonder how it will feel, so
Good-bye, my friend
I know I’ll never see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away the tears
It’s okay now
Good-bye, my friend.
I’ve seen alot of things that made me crazy
And I guess I held on to you
I could have run away and left, well maybe,
But it wasn’t time and we both knew, so
Good-bye, my friend
I know I’ll never see you again
But the love you gave me through all the years
Will take away my tears.
I’m okay now
Good-bye, my friend
Life’s so fragile and love’s so pure
We can’t hold on but we try
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we’ll never know why
But I’m okay now
Good-bye, my friend
You can go now
Good-bye, my friend
Love ya,
Your friend
Sharonne
Dear Bruce and Family,
Jan was a very special lady. I will always fondly remember our days at Central, as roommates, oh so many years ago! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Tricia
Kristen & Jim,
We’re praying for you & your family as you grieve & mourn over your mom’s sudden passing. We know personally what it’s like to lose our parents (all of ours are now gone). Take comfort in the Lord (2 Cor. 1:3-4) as He decided to take your mom home to be in His presence. May you cherish the memories you have had with her knowing you will see her again one day.
The smile that dazzled, and a laugh like a wind chime on a soft spring breeze.
For you Bruce:
Put it away, they say
about love-
That’s not worn well or
lasted long-
Like yesterday’s glove
or the tune that never became
a song-
Put it away, the say
Put it away-
But it’s ghost just rises
now and then-
When no one hears
and no one speaks-
Like wayward child
on tiptoe again.
My love to you my friend.
Steve
I apologize as I know this is late in coming, but I happened to notice the BEAUTIFUL booklet that was created for Jan’s service at my parents house yesterday. I am very sad to hear of her passing. Although I have not seen Jan in years, I remember her always smiling face when she would visit the Okubo’s next door to my parents home when I was little… years ago. She was a happy, smiling and generous individual, and will be missed by many.
My condolences to Bruce, Kristen, Ryan and the extended Yamamoto & Nobuyama families.
Reiko M. Frank
“Into paradise may the angels lead you”