James Kenji Yamashita

September 26, 1941 - March 22, 2021

James “Moose” Yamashita passed away peacefully on March 22, 2021, at the age of 79 surrounded by family at home in Honolulu, Hawaii, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Kalihi on September 26, 1941, he was a proud graduate of Iolani School Class of ‘59 and the University of Hawaii ‘63, and had a successful civilian career with the U.S. Department of the Army as a budget analyst. He loved living in Okinawa, Japan, and Arlington, Virginia, as part of his work adventures. He was blessed with a second life when he received a liver transplant in 1992. His greatest joys included his family, friends, football, music, reading, card-playing, and Japanese food and culture. James is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joan Yamashita; daughter Jill Lira and her husband David Lira Jr.; daughter Joy Yamashita; cats Ninja and Rocky; and many other dear family and friends. There will be a small graveside service at the Koolau Circle of Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery at 45-425 Kamehameha Hwy in Kaneohe at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 2, 2021. The family requests that in lieu of flowers to please consider donating to Iolani School online at give.iolani.org (designate “Other” and note “in memory of James Yamashita”) or by check to “Iolani School” at 563 Kamoku St., Honolulu, HI 96826 and note on the Memo line, “in memory of James Yamashita".