James Hajime Yamada (1942 – 2025)

Jim Yamada was born in Ruskin, British Columbia to father Shoueman and mother Hatsu. He had five siblings: June, George, Masako, May, and Peter. Jim was two months old when his family was relocated to Southern Alberta during the World War II Internment of Japanese Canadians. Jim grew up farming sugar beets near Lethbridge, Alberta. He married Kay (Dalgliesh) in 1963 and children Michael (1964), Carol (1966), and Alan (1969) were born in Lethbridge. In 1970, the family moved to Whitehorse for a temporary work opportunity and stayed in the Yukon. Jim is remembered 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 organizer with the Yukon Party, a founding member of the Mountain View Golf course, and a volunteer coach. He belonged to the Lions Club, the Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon, and volunteered with the Sourdough Rendezvous.¹⁾