Born: August 7, 1923
Died: February 27, 2015

Jim Y. Sugasawara, age 91, died peacefully in his residence at Nikkei Senior Gardens.

He was born in Gardena, CA. Just short of graduating Compton High School, he was interned at Manzanar Relocation Center during WWII.

After the war, Jim returned back to the Los Angeles area where he found a career as an auto mechanic until he retired. He also met his future bride, Chizu Sasamoto. They married in 1950 and settled into family life.

Jim enjoyed fishing, bowling and, later in life, golfing. When he retired, he and Chizu began traveling all over the world.

Though he made a good life without a high school diploma, Jim never stopped wishing he had received one. Then in 1995, with the help of his good friend, Michael Montgomery, Jim eventually received his high school diploma from Compton High and joined the graduating class to accept a much belated honor.

By summer of 2010, both Jim and Chizu moved from their home in Altadena to Nikkei Senior Gardens, to enjoy the benefits of assisted living.

Proceeded by his loving wife, Chizu Sugasawara in 2010, he is survived by his son, Dennis, daughter-in-law, Melinda, grandson, Mitchel and older brother Bob.

Burial services will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015, 11:00 A.M., at Rose Hills Memorial Park, "Cherry Blossom Gardens" 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601

In lieu of flowers the Family asks that you send a donation to Nikkei Senior Gardens, 9221 Arleta Avenue, CA 91331.