James Hajime Yamada
Jim Yamada died in the wee hours of January 9, 2025 at the age of 82. Jim was laid to rest at the Grey Mountain Cemetery surrounded by family, and a celebration of life for friends and colleagues is planned for a later date.
Jim was born in Ruskin BC on February 22, 1942, the second child to father Shoueman and mother Hatsu. Jim was only two months old when his family was relocated to Southern Alberta during the World War II Internment of Japanese Canadians. Life was not easy for Japanese Canadians at that time, and Jim was quick to remind us that we must remember this history and be better than our past.
Jim and his five siblings (June, George, Masako, May, and Peter) grew up farming sugar beets near Lethbridge, Alberta. He married his childhood sweetheart Kay (Dalgliesh) on December 26, 1963 and children Michael (1964), Carol (1966), and Alan (1969) were born in Lethbridge. Jim saw an opportunity for a new life in 1970 and moved his family to Whitehorse, Yukon. He arrived first, driving up the Alaska Highway just ahead of road crews that closed it for early winter storms. It was supposed to be a temporary opportunity to earn good wages and explore the north but it became the forever home he could never leave.
Yukoners will remember him for his work in real estate; his contributions to boards, clubs, and sports teams; and his passion for golf, motorcycles, fishing, and card games. He was an entrepreneur, an organizer with the Yukon Party, a founding member of the Mountain View Golf course, and a volunteer coach. His community also included the Lions Club, The Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon, Sourdough Rendezvous (as it was known in his days), and regular lunches with the boys. He answered to many names: Hajime, James, Dad, Grampa … and in other circles Drive-By Jimmy.
Jim is survived by his wife Kay; children Michael (Teresa), Carol (Mark), and Alan (Stephanie); and grandchildren Morgan (Mac), Erin (Mitchell), Konal, and Oliver. He also leaves behind sisters June (Sam), May (Mike), and brother Peter (Barb), as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews and their families in Japan, Canada, and the United States. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Masako, and brother George.
The family feels deep gratitude for the care Jim received while in hospital during the last months of his life. Thank you also to the team at the Whitehorse Cancer Care Clinic for all that you did while he received treatment for lymphoma. You were kind and generous to our dad and husband, and compassionate with us as we witnessed his final days.
Dan Lang
I am so sad to hear the news of Jim’s passing. Over the years he contributed so much of his time to helping make Yukon a better place to live..
Our condolences to Kay and the family
Nerissa Rosati
I always appreciated the time I spent with Jim Yamada. I found he took the extra time to encourage me as a small business person in construction . Somewhere along the line we had adjoining booths while we were learning to weld. Lots of good laughs as he was trying to fix his golf clubs…I wonder if that helped. All the best to the family.
Denise Leschart
I have no words. Only tears of gratitude that he crossed my life’s path. RIP Jim, I plan on catching up with you on the ” other side”. Love Denise Leschart
Lee-ann Harder
My heartfelt condolences to Kay and family.
Jim and Kay were our neighbours in the early 90’s on Ponderosa Dr. in Whitehorse. Both were incredibly kind and good to my boys but Jim especially inspired them both into the game of golf. I hope Jim has found a new course to play on.
Maxine
I always enjoyed running into Jim around town…we didn’t know each other well but over the years our stories grew; we always found a quick something to talk about that left us smiling. It was a pleasure to know you Jim…drive by Jimmy 😂. My condolences to the family and especially to my friend Carol.