"Life is tough" was his life's motto. A humble farmer turned successful realtor, he tended to his life as he tended to his crops. With hard work and insatiable determination, he cultivated a loving family and astounding success.

James "Jim" Hikari Higashida, a longtime resident of the San Fernando Valley, passed away on February 14, 2021, at the age of 92.

His classmates' yearbook signatures said it best - "You're a swell guy!" Even in high school at the Manzanar internment camp, everyone knew that James was more than your everyday "nice" guy; he was a modern day Renaissance man. He had the greenest thumb (he was particularly proud of his homegrown persimmons and the juiciest vine-ripened tomatoes), was the most dedicated fisherman (who was only satisfied with the ultra-rare brown trout), and was the most adoring father and grandpa. He quickly rose to be among the top realtors and joined the million-dollar-club within mere months of joining the agency. His "swell" personality was a driver of his continued success as a top salesman year after year after year.

Despite these personal and professional accomplishments, James was a humble goofball who never bragged about himself but would rather place his top priority on his family. He had such a funny, loving, and mischievous soul - spilling on himself at every meal, claiming he didn't like cheese but eating Cheez-Its and pizza like there was no tomorrow, and always pulling pranks on his kids and grandkids. Forever the rascal, James could always be found smiling and laughing, making silly faces, and trying out different vocal tones to see what silly sounds he could make.

A loving husband, dad, father-in-law, and Jichan, James will always be remembered as a devoted member of the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, a Green Onion King of the Valley, a flannel shirt aficionado, a YouTube cooking video enthusiast, a "champ-ee-ohn" (a.k.a. Champion) angler, and a spam musubi maker extraordinaire.

He is forever loved by his children, Kathy Kozai (Gerald), Neil (Donna) Higashida, and Terri (Chuck) Amano; grandchildren, Kendall (Ross Psyhogios) and Kassidy Kozai, Bryan and Riki Higashida, and Cameron and Danny Amano; as well as by his nieces, nephews and other loving relatives. He is preceded by the passing of his wife, Rose Higashida.

Due to COVID-restrictions, a service celebrating James' life will be held on a future date.