James "Jimmy" Masashi Nakatsu

Jimmy was 1 of 9 siblings born to Japanese-Americans, Koryo and Tomi Nakatsu. Growing up in AZ during WWII posed many challenges. Despite this, Jimmy thrived in the community, graduating Tempe High and enlisting in the Army. After his service in the military, Jimmy moved to California to start a landscaping business. But his parents dream of a vegetable market and purchase of 17 acres of land in Tempe brought Jimmy back to AZ. He continued to work and help grow the Nakatsu Ranch Market until the sale in 1983. Jimmy then moved his family to Mesa and continued to work with small ranch markets until his late retirement.

Jimmy was witty with a dry sense of humor, loved watching sports, eating, and spending time with the people he loved. He is survived by 3 daughters and their spouses, 2 granddaughters, 6 grandsons, 2 great granddaughters, 2 sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Jimmy will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85042. Viewing will begin at 3:00 PM, funeral service at 4:00 PM, reception at 5:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Nakatsu family.