John Isao Uemura
John Isao Uemura passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2020 at his home in Murray, Utah. He was lovingly known to family and friends as Johnny, Ichan, and probably by other names that only he answered to. John was, and continues to be loved, by all who knew him. While we will all miss him, he no longer has to suffer the ravages of cancer. His once-strong body declined to the point it could no longer house his strong spirit, yet his kindness, thoughtfulness and wit remained intact to the end.
John was born on July 2nd, 1934, in Punene, Hawaii. Despite the hardships he endured as a Japanese American person, particularly as a young boy during World War II, he was dedicated to supporting his family. They had the unfortunate timing of going to Japan in the autumn of 1941 to visit his grandfather who was ill. The family was effectively detained in Japan for the next five years where he witnessed, from afar, the bombing of Hiroshima.
Even as a child, his loving demeanor carried him through this chaotic period of his boyhood. Years later, John spoke fondly of picking wild mushrooms with his mother, working hard on the family farm, and becoming close to his family in Japan.
After returning to the States, his family resettled in Hawaii, and later moved to California where he met Kenn Yonemura through work. This led to meeting Kenn’s sister Marjorie, who became John’s bride in 1958. John went on to become a journeyman carpenter, a trade he worked at for the next thirty-plus years.
Never one to be idle, John took a job with Penske after retiring from carpentry. There he would transport rental trucks to their destinations. He again had the knack for creating enjoyment wherever he was, because when a truck was deposited in some far-off western state, John would invite Marjorie and Charlie, their Yorkie, to accompany him and enjoy the scenery. During the twelve years he was with Penske, he become a valued employee and made lasting friendships.
John and Marjorie moved to Salt Lake City in 2005, to be closer to their grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. After moving to Salt Lake, John accepted this forced retirement after over fifty years of working. He still remained active, working in the yard, maintaining their house, and visiting friends he'd made, like Rod, whom John met while having his morning coffee. For as long as he could, John continued engaging in an activity he loved, driving. He transported Margie to and from appointments, shopping and other excursions, and their grandchildren to school and their various activities.
In his rare moments of relaxation, John loved watching cooking shows and westerns with Marjorie, as well as listening to country western music, playing slots in Wendover, and weekly dinners with his family. Though a man of few words, John was giant of heart. He touched the souls of everyone who met him, and did not have a mean bone in his body. Even as he laid in bed towards the end, unable to walk on his own, he never complained, and was always more concerned for the well-being of those who aided him than his own.
John was preceded in death by his father Kazuo, mother Aiko, brother George, and grandson Ethan. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Karen, son Neil, granddaughters Keila and Sophie, and numerous siblings, brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, and nephews. A graveside service will be held in San Jose, California on Saturday, Feb 8th, 2020.