James Minoru Tsuda, 87, born on November 27, 1933, a longtime resident of Sacramento, kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2021.

The youngest of 8 children, Jim grew up on a fruit ranch in Auburn, CA. During WWII, he was interned with his family at the Tule Lake Relocation Center at age 8 to 11. At Placer Union High School, Jim set a high jump record of 6'1" in 1949, that held for 37 years. At 19, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Two years later, he graduated from Navigator training and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Houston, TX. During his 20 years in the Air Force, Jim flew Air Rescue training missions in CA and AK, logistics missions in Europe and Asia, and was stationed in CA, AK, NJ, NY, Misawa and Okinawa, Japan. Jim earned a B.A. in Accounting from Syracuse University, and began his career working for the U.S. Auditor General. He went on to earn his M.B.A. from the University of Hawaii. In 1973 at the age of 39, he retired as an U.S. Air Force Major in Sacramento. He began his civilian career as Financial Controller for Sacramento Medical Care Foundation where he helped start up Foundation Health Plan, one of the first HMO's in Northern California. Jim retired from his 2nd career at 53.

Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Hiroko Yoshikawa, at the age of 21. They met in third grade at Gold Hill Elementary School and enjoyed 66 inseparable years of marriage, raised 3 children, and enjoyed 7 grandchildren. Jim was a meticulous, energetic and hardworking volunteer. At the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, his service included Board president, member of the Board of Trustees, president of the Young Adult Buddhist Association, chairman of the Annual Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Conference, program chair for the 100th Anniversary BCA Celebration, and chairman of the annual Bazaar.

The Tsuda Family is from the Aichi Prefecture in Japan. During his Board Presidency of the Aichi Kenjin Kai from 1993-2014, Jim built relationships with Aisai and Tobishima mayors and educators by leading association trips to Japan, and hosting Aichi guests including junior high school students in Sacramento.

Jim called golf his 3rd career and could be found regularly at Elkhorn Country Club.  He loved to host celebrations in his home and was known for his barbecue tri-tip and New Year's dishes.  He enjoyed 43 years of friendship with "GBC", their Gourmet Bridge Group, who met every month for dinner and cards, and golfed and traveled together. He also enjoyed diving for, eating, and sharing fresh abalone with family and friends.

Jim put family first, and will always be remembered for the twinkle in his eye and good natured chuckle as he enjoyed a good laugh with you.

James is survived by his wife, Hiroko Tsuda; children, David (Marie) Tsuda, Lila (Rick) Grant, and Camille (Craig) Pietrow; grandchildren, Shanel, Nathan and Angelina Tsuda, Nicholas and Alex Pietrow, and Trevor Grant; sister, Chiyo Yoshizuka; and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, Seitaro and Tatsuno Tsuda; siblings, Kimiko (James) Morioka, Sadako (Tom) Nozaki, Seiichi (Toshiko) Tsuda, Ayako (Roy) Yano, Yone (Fred) Imai, and Shizuo (Tsueko) Tsuda; grandson, Tristan Grant; brother-in-law, Jaxon Yoshizuka.

A private memorial service will be held in Sacramento. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to the Buddhist Church of Sacramento.

www.buddhistchurch.org 916 446 0121