Born in San Diego, California on October 24, 1928, James spent his early years in Japan, later moved to Minnesota with his wife, Takako, and finally moved to California in his 80’s to get away from shoveling snow during the long, cold Minnesota winters.
James will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years,Takako; his son, Ryui Sakamoto; his daughter and husband, Kiyomi and Akira Yanai; granddaughter and husband, Mika and Jon Visitacion, granddaughter and husband, Mari and Eric Fujii; and three great-grandchildren, Koki Visitacion, Kaia Fujii, and Aki Visitacion.
With a passion for creating extraordinary jewelry and other unique artwork from stones, gems, and antlers, James was always busy creating new works of art. He also loved to paint beautiful scenes from nature. Favorite pastimes included fishing and camping in Minnesota where he lived much of his life and raised his two children.
