Masaru (Jim) Sasaki passed away in Fresno at the age of 98, on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. Born on November 10, 1919, Masaru was the oldest of three sons. He attended Washington Union High School, excelling in baseball and agriculture, and upon graduating, worked on his parents’ raisin farm. Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, Masaru served four years while his family was held in the Japanese Internment camp in Jerome, Arkansas. One of the few able to keep their land, Masaru returned from the war to run the farm. Mentored by family friend, Masao Nakata, Masaru single-handedly planted twenty acres of vineyards. In 1947, Mr. Nakata arranged a marriage between Masaru and Hinako Yamagiwa. The couple lived on the Sasaki ranch and raised two sons, Ray and David. Masaru and Hinako helped many family members relocate from Japan to the U.S. and assisted them in establishing their own livelihoods in farming and gardening. Despite long hours of hard labor, family came first for Masaru. Though money was scarce, visiting family and friends, attending his sons’ sports and music events, and participating in the Bowles Buddhist community provided his family with rich social connections. When their sons married and started their own families, Masaru showered his grandchildren with the same affection and love. While his grandchildren were his greatest pleasure, he was never without his beloved farm dogs.
Masaru was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and wife of 58 years. He is survived by sons Ray and David, their wives, Jeanne and Helen, and grandchildren Sara, Mikio, and Joe.
The family would like to thank his many doctors, Right at Home In-Home Care & Assistance, and Bright Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care and support over the years. Special thanks go to Masaru’s dedicated caregivers, especially Yukiko Hijioka, who was with him for four and one-half years.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 4, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at the Fresno Buddhist Dharma Center at 2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities of one’s choice.
