James Takeo Nigo

James Takeo Nigo, 87, peacefully passed away on November 7, 2024, with family by his side.

James was born on July 26, 1937, to Jiro and Kiku (Itano) Nigo in Okayama, Japan. He grew up in the Ichinomiya Yamasaki village of Okayama. After being schooled in the Okayama area, James came to the U.S. in 1953 at the age of 16. Upon arriving in the U.S., he worked for his uncle, who owned/operated a hotel in the downtown Portland area.

In 1957, James went to CCC to become a machinist and started working for Hyster-Yale soon after. In 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged in 1965. Hyster-Yale rehired him after his discharge, and he finished his 40-year career as a machinist, with Hyster-Yale retiring in 1999.

He married Linda Kiyoko Yuasa on January 26, 1962, in Portland. Together, they raised four children. James enjoyed fishing with his friends, hunting for Matsutake, and many trips to the Oregon coast to clam dig. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife, Kiyoko: son Gary of Portland, daughters Jan (Joe) Persaud of Clackamas, Jackie (Jeff) Hasegawa of Hood River, Tina Nigo of Eugene, 8 grandchildren,

8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 older brothers, and 4 older sisters