Jichio "Jack" Kimura

Jichio “Jack” Kimura, 102, of Nederland, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026. He was born on June 9, 1923, in Lemoore, California, to Juzo and Namiko (Ebara) Kimura. A first-generation Japanese American, Jack lived a long life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and faith.

Jack was a member of the International Carpenters and Joiners Union – Beaumont, Texas as well as the Texas National Guard.

He enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including travel, boating, fishing, hunting, photography, and music. Also, a talented linguist, he could speak and write in four languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese. Despite only completing than the fourth grade, he had the self-discipline to teach himself, at night at his kitchen table, algebra, trigonometry as well as practice Japanese kanji. He would go on to study Diesel Mechanics at Lamar Technology.

Jack, always curious and learning, he liked doing mathematical calculations on his Texas Instruments calculator. That love of technology grew to video conferencing with family in the US as well as Brazil. He liked to use Google Earth to revisit, by computer, the places he had been in his life. Often, he would complain, “It isn’t doing what I want it to do” when he couldn’t get the desired results from his iPhone, iPad or Mac.

Having a predominantly shy and reserved nature, he would “come out of his shell” to share stories of his life experiences and travels.

Faith became an important part of Jack’s life. He attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Beaumont and later Cornerstone Church in Vidor. During his years of church involvement, he faithfully served on the church board, sang in the choir and volunteered his carpentry skills.

Whenever any of his friends needed his help or carpenter expertise, Jack was happy and honored to help them. He “voluntold” his sons upon a few of these occasions to lend a hand. He would later help both of his sons and their families build their homes.

Above all, Jack was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Damaris Kimura and Daisy Kimura; his son, Harold Kimura; his daughter, Marta Kimura; his brothers, Ben Kimura and Samuel Kimura; and his sister, Reiko Kimura.

Jack is survived by his sister, Mieko Matuoka; his children, Drew Kimura and wife Cynthia, Bobby Kimura and wife Kristi, and Annie Brown and husband Dave; his grandchildren, Amber Ambrose and husband Lennie, Eric Kimura, Christian Kimura, Michelle Butler and husband Trent, Sarah Abod and husband Mike, and Sean Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Brock, Rosslyn, Blythe, Ailey, Cort, Winslow, Ophelia, Calypso and Westley.

The family would like to express our thanks to the owners and staff at Holland Place Senior Assisted Living. Jack loved you and consistently expressed how happy he was there.

We’d also like to express thanks to Enhabit Hospice for supporting Papa Jack over the last few months.

Services will be conducted by Reverend Shane Baxter.

Pallbearers: David Dishman, Kenneth Wilcox, Christian Kimura, Eric Kimura, Bobby Kimura, Lennie Ambrose.

Honorary Pallbearer: Boyd Ryherd Jr.