Josephine Nakayama Shioji

Kazuko Josephine (nee: Nakayama) Shioji was the eighth and youngest child born to Otomatsu and Tamiye Nakayama on January 7, 1930, in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Jo and her siblings grew up on a farm in Rocky Ford and helped their parents raise cantaloupe and watermelon, along with other various crops.

Jo graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1947 and attended classes to obtain her cosmetology certification. She worked at her sister’s beauty salon in Rocky Ford for several years. Jo married Hatsuo Tom Shioji on January 26, 1952, in Ysleta, Texas. Jo and Tom owned a farm in Socorro, Texas where Tom grew mainly Pima cotton. Jo and Tom had four children, Mary Louise, Cathy Ellen, Janet Dee, and David Ross, all born in El Paso, Texas.

In 1972, Jo and Tom moved to Wheat Ridge, Colorado due to Jo’s respiratory challenges. They purchased a home near one of her sisters. Jo’s health improved greatly, and she rejoined the work force in 1977 as her youngest child was graduating from high school. She took on several different jobs until she was hired on with the food service crew; first with Continental Airlines, and then with United Airlines. Jo and Tom enjoyed traveling to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and several other destinations. Jo retired from United Airlines in March 1994. She enjoyed bowling and spending time with family and friends.

Three grandchildren have always been enfolded by Grandma Jo’s love and support. Kris, Tami, and Sachi spent a great deal of time with Grandma Jo and Grandpa Tom. They were Jo’s pride and joy.

Early on the morning of Tuesday, November 28th, Jo left us at the age of 93, to be reunited with her husband, Tom, to whom she was married for 63 years. She went comfortably, quietly, and peacefully.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Otomatsu and Tamiye Nakayama, her husband, Hatsuo Tom Shioji, her siblings, Ayako Kusuno, Yoshiko Inouye, Shizuye Fujimoto, Tom Nakayama, George Nakayama, Jane Hada, Amy Konishi, and their spouses, sister-in-law, Hatsuko Edna Kurita, and brother-in-law, Frank Y. Shioji and their spouses, and son-in-law, Ken Notari. She is survived by her children: Mary Lou Notari, Cathy Shioji and son-in-law, Al Peters, Jan Shioji, and Dave Shioji; Grandchildren: Kristofer Notari, Tamiye Burlingame, and Sachiko Burlingame (Liam Adair); and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

To honor and respect Jo’s wishes, a private burial will be held with no memorial services taking place.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.