James Nishi Obituary

JAMES AKIO NISHI, M.D. James Akio Nishi, M.D., of Honolulu, Hawaii passed away on July 9, 2024. He was 94 years old. James was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 10, 1929, to Takeo and Hisako Nishi. He attended Farrington High School, where he was Student Body President, graduating in 1947. It was at Farrington High School that James met his future wife of 65 years, Lillian Mitsuko Kimura. Upon graduating from Farrington High School, James went on to study at the University of Hawaii, George Washington University in Washington D.C., and then Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon graduation from Washington University, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, US Army Reserve. In 1952, James matriculated as a first-year medical student at Washington University. One year later, James and Lillian were married. James graduated from Washington University with a Doctorate in Medicine in 1957 and fulfilled his surgical residency requirements in St. Louis prior to returning to Honolulu in 1963, where he joined the medical practice known as Kalihi Medical Center. By that time, James and Lillian had 3 children in tow - Linda, Sharon and Steven. Their 4th child, Carl was born in Honolulu in 1964. James was well recognized throughout Kuakini Hospital and the community for his work as a general surgeon. He volunteered for multiple community service organizations and served as a Director of the Hawaii Medical Service Association. James retired from the practice of medicine in 1997. James was a collector of Japanese swords and was a long-time member and past Officer and Director of the Japanese Sword Society of Hawaii. He was an excellent marksman and enjoyed spending time at the Koko Head Shooting Range. James was always proud to be a Farrington Gov and he was named 1991 Farrington High School Alumnus of the Year. James' greatest joy was spending time with his family both in Hawaii and on the mainland. At home, he most enjoyed family meals around his dining room table, watching his grandchildren's ballgames and music performances, participating in family bingo night, and watching his pua kenikeni bloom. James was predeceased by Lillian in 2019. He is survived by daughters Linda Nishi-Strattner (Mark) and Sharon Nishi (John Yamano); sons Steven Nishi (Pamela Tauchi-Nishi) and Carl Nishi (Kristine); grandchildren Ian Nishi, Leigh Nishi-Strattner (Ruby Malicki), Ryan Nishi, Erin Nishi, Evan Nishi, and Warren Nishi; and Matt Higa. He was also pre-deceased by sisters Elaine Kodama and Ellen Moriwaki. A Celebration of Life honoring James will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Harris United Methodist Church, located at 20 S. Vineyard Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., and will be followed by a service at 4:30 p.m. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary