Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Katsumi Tim Nishimoto, age 95, passed away in Peoria, Arizona, on Sept. 7, 2024. He was born in Hood River, Oregon, Aug. 11, 1929, the son of Japanese parents who had immigrated to the Hood River Valley. He grew up on the family orchard with his older brother, Koe.
During World War II, the Nishimoto family was relocated in 1942 for three years to internment camps, mainly at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. After returning to Hood River, he graduated from Odell High School in 1947 and joined the U.S. Army from 1948-1949, serving at Ft. Lewis, Washington.
In 1950, Tim moved to Chicago and attended art school. His schooling was interrupted when he was recalled to active duty in the Army during the Korean War; however, his unit returned stateside without seeing combat. After completing school he began work as an illustrator for the U.S. Defense Department.
In Chicago, Tim met Janis Nishiwaki, who had recently moved from Hawaii. They married in 1956 and their son, Stuart, was born in 1958. After moving to the suburb of Elmhurst in 1960, Tim continued working for the Defense Department as a graphic artist. In addition, he enjoyed watercolor painting and exhibited his paintings at many area art shows. After moving to nearby Addison, Illinois, in 1968, he was active in the Art Guild and enjoyed playing tennis.
In 1993, after 40 years of federal government service, Tim and Janis retired and moved to Sun City West, Arizona, where they lived for 17 years. They enjoyed activities with the Choju-Kai (Japanese club) and the Glendale Senior Center. They volunteered often at the Westside Food Bank, the Sun City West Visitor’s Center, the Sun City West Library, and the Dell Webb Hospital. He was a very active tennis player, entering many tournaments in his age group. He shared his family story of life in the World War II internment camps as requested. In 2011, Tim and Janis moved to Sierra Winds Retirement Community in Peoria. Tim was always willing to help out in the bridge club, the Market Place, and many volunteer activities.
Tim is survived by Janis, his wife of 68 years; their son Stuart and wife JoAnn; granddaughter Hope, and spouse, Zach Gray and great-granddaughters Harper and Nora, all of Westchester, Illinois; his nieces Kathy Nishimoto of Portland, Oregon, and Gale Gronso of Pendleton, Oregon; and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Koe and Lil Nishimoto, and nephew Rick Nishimoto, all of Hood River.
A memorial service will be held in Peoria at the Sierra Winds Retirement Center chapel on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Valley View Community Food Assistance, 10771 West Peoria Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351, or the charity of one’s choice.
To plant a tree in memory of Katsumi Nishimoto as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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