Joe Josaku Yada
February 5, 1925 - May 25, 2009
Obituary
Joe was born February 5, 1925 in Salem, Oregon to James Misao Yada and Hatsuno Fukai Yada. He was the youngest of 5 children with two brothers, Tats and Ko, and two sisters, Emi Somekawa Beckwith and Kimi. He grew up on the family farm in the Lake Labish area Brooks just outside of Salem and attended Hazel Green Elementary School, Parrish Jr. High and Salem High School.
Just after his high school graduation in 1942, Joe’s family was evacuated to the internment camp at Tule Lake, CA later moved to Minidoka, ID. In 1943, Joe was able to leave the camp and joined his brothers in Lincoln, Nebraska where he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University until he received his draft notice. He served with the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service MIS from 1944-1946, stationed at Fort Snelling, MN and in Japan.
Joe met Hideko Tsutakawa in Minidoka and they were married August 11, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN. After the end of the war and his discharge, the couple settled in Seattle, WA. Joe worked for the postal service and attended the University of Washington earning his bachelors degree in Business and Economics in 1950.
He worked a variety of jobs including selling appliances at Connor Sales and selling and fixing sewing machines at Singer Sewing Company, but most of his career he worked for SeaAsia and Uwajimaya. Over the years, he was employed as bookkeeper, cost analyst, ship chandler, store manager, and manager of the Publix Hotel.
Joe always enjoyed sports and just having a good time. In his school days, he was on the wrestling team. Later, he enjoyed bowling and fishing. Even later, he was an avid golfer with an 11 handicap at one time and one hole-in-one! He also enjoyed gambling, whether a poker night with the guys, or watching the horses run at Long Acres, or a trip to Reno, Las Vegas or even Muckleshoot! But most of all, he just enjoyed being with family and friends of all ages. If he was around, you could count on everyone being entertained and having a good time.
Joe was a member of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church and the Nisei Veterans Committee NVC.
He passed away peacefully on May 25, 2009 from back surgery complications. Joe is survived by his daughter, Gail; son, Jeff Chris; grandchildren, Andrea, Jason, Shelley, Jenna; great grandson, James; and his two sisters, Emi and Kimi.
I was saddened to read of Mr. Yada’s passing. I met him many years ago at Rainier Beach HIgh School where Mrs. Yada was my home room teacher for six years.
I have very fond memories of both Mr. and Mrs. Yada. She had a profound impact on me as a student and I still miss her very much.
It was interesting to read that Mr. Yada worked at Connor because when I was growing up my family brought most of their furniture and appliances there.
My deepest sympathies to the Yada family. Patty Hollinger Conrard
Deepest condolences to all the family. With continued thoughts and prayers.
I am sadden by the passing of Joe.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. I am fortunate to have known him since high school in the 60’s. My relationship with You Gail gave me much insight to him as a wonderful father and how kind he was. I have enjoyed my contacts and converstions with him over the years,His pleasant personality,smiles and genuine kindness will always be in my heart and thoughts.
My sincerest condolences and love to you and your family at his time
We often saw Mr Yada at calls around the Publix Hotel. Mr Yada & the Taniguchi Family were very helpful to IDEC & the people who lived there.