James Yasuhide Nakatsu
September 20, 1968 – December 1, 2022
James Nakatsu
On Thursday, December 1, 2022, James Yasuhide Nakatsu, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 54.
James was born on September 20, 1968, in Kobe, Japan, and became a permanent resident in the state of Washington in 1979.
James attended the University of Washington and studied Architecture. He was a lover of the arts and music. He was passionate in his Christian faith and was willing to share the Good News of Jesus Christ for those who were willing to listen. He shared his faith through music and served tirelessly in the worship ministry at Faith Bible Church and Lighthouse Christian Church. James worked hard to support his family, and always made time for family. When he was doing things on his own, he would either lounge around streaming movies, or working on his car or motorcycle. Even though James was taken too soon, he lived an extraordinary life surrounded by people who loved him. We are comforted in knowing that in our mutual faith, we will see each other again.
James is survived by his father, Yasuaki; his wife, Yumi Nakatsu; his 2 daughters, Lauren and Melanie; his brother, Rich and wife Elaine Nakatsu and daughter, Lyra. He is predeceased by his mother in 2021, Mimiko Nakatsu.
In honoring James’ wishes, a memorial service will not be held. Flowers and donations are being respectfully declined.
4 Responses to “James Yasuhide Nakatsu”
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James was an outstanding person I was lucky enough to know by my work with him in the printing industry. That said about his professional life, I considered him a friend. My heartfelt condolences to James’s family.
James was not only a business contact, but someone who I considered to be a dear friend. I’m at a loss for words as to how sad I am to hear of his passing.
My wife also sends her condolences as she had such a great visit with him when we were in Matsumoto for a business trip together.
His last words to me were in June when he sent a text that read “Sorry – we’ll get together soon, for sure.”
I deeply regret not making it a priority to keep him to that promise.
I met James when I was working on printing in Windows. Right away, it was like talking to an old friend you haven’t seen in a while; he was just so friendly and open. On my first trip to Tokyo, he met us right away when we got to town, took us out to dinner, and made a very unfamiliar place feel very welcoming. I am sure that if I had run into him on the street, or in a store over the last year, it would have been just like I had seen him yesterday. It’s comforting to know that one day, when I move past this world, he will be there again, with a handshake and a smile to make an unfamiliar place feel very welcoming again.
I had the privilege of playing music in church with James for years and knowing him as a friend. We both enjoyed music and motorcycles and always chatting online with another mutual friend in the Lord. This was a sweet and humble man and I feel such a sense of loss but also know that heaven welcomed him with joy.