Ventura County Star
January 9 to January 12, 2013

John K. Hashimoto (1919 - 2012)

John Kazuo Hashimoto, 93, beloved husband and father went to be with his Lord on Monday, December 3, 2012, after a brief illness.

John was born on October 13, 1919, in Santa Barbara to Keihachi and Chito Hasimoto. John grew up in Southern California and graduated from El Monte High School in 1938.

He enlisted in the US Army in 1942, when his family was relocated to Manzanar Internment Camp. He proudly served in the Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team (Go For Broke Unit) in the European Campaign. In 1944, he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against the enemy. He eventually retired from the United States Air Force at Oxnard Air Force Base in 1965. John and his family recently traveled to Washington DC where he along with his unit; the 442nd RCT, 100th Infantry Battalion and MIS was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal which was awarded to Nisei World War II veterans. John was a modest patriot committed to his country. When asked about his military achievements he always said "We just did our job."

After retiring from the service John joined Prudential Insurance as an Insurance Specialist and retired again in 1990.

He was a man of good character, hard working and loyal to commitments to his family, church and all that was important to him. He was an active member of Camarillo Community Church for over 30 years. He was also a private man of few words, dearly loved and respected by his family. His good nature, quick wit and great sense of humor will be missed by all.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lois Hashimoto of Camarillo; and his sons, John (Jessica) Hashimoto, Rick (Susan) Hashimoto; daughter, Lisa (Carlos) Hashimoto; and daughter-in-law Kris Hashimoto. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Andrea, Hilary, Jonathan, Edward, Alex, Veronica, Tara and Amie; also five great-grandchildren, Ian, Amon, Penelope, Olivia and Gwendolyn. John was preceded in death by his son Mark Hashimoto; brothers George and Tom; sisters, Joyce, Flo, Jean and Betty. He leaves behind numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews who will miss their "Uncle Johnnie."

John was laid to rest in a private graveside service with Military Honor Guard on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park with Pastor Ralph Rittenhouse officiating. A celebration of John's life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 11 a.m. Camarillo Community Church, 1322 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 93010.