Hiroshi “Hiro” James Inouye passed away peacefully on October 11, 2021 in Clovis, CA. Hiro was born on July 12, 1930 in Fresno, CA to Fukitaro and Iyo Inouye. He was the third of six children and lived in the Fresno/Clovis area his entire life. Hiro married the love of his life, Chiyomi Ikeda in 1958 in Tokyo, Japan. Together, they raised a family and farmed for many decades. They grew almonds and truck crops such as green onions, radishes, chards and greens. His favorite crop was red onions. Hiro had the sweetest red onions and enjoyed sharing them with friends and family. He introduced his friends to peanut butter and red onion sandwiches. Although Hiro retired from commercial farming in the early 2000’s, he continued to keep a victory garden.
Retirement allowed Hiro to be a full-time grandfather. Gichan never missed an opportunity to be part of his grandsons’ school and sporting activities. Grandparents Day was always a favorite for Hiro and Chiyomi. They were able to travel and visit many places they had always wanted to see. A highlight for Hiro (and his son Daniel as his guardian) was an Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2017.
Hiroshi was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Chiyomi; brothers William and Bobby and sister Yuriko. He is survived by his daughter Jean Yang (Wallace) of Fresno; son Daniel Inouye (Yong) of Sparks, NV; grandson Chris Yang (Karsha) and great grandson Charles of East Lansing, MI; grandson Robert Yang of Santa Barbara; and grandson Chase Abolinas (Ceci) and great grandchildren Nicholas and Vanessa of Reno, NV; and many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services for Hiroshi and Chiyomi are scheduled for Friday, November 19th at Mountain View Cemetery in Fresno. A celebration of life will be held at the United Japanese Christian Church in Clovis on Saturday, November 20th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the United Japanese Christian Church or Central Valley Honor Flight.
