James Ellis Miyagawa

MIYAGAWA, Mr. James E.
Kalamazoo, MI


Went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. He was born April 26, 1930 to George Miyagawa and Myra (Nielsen) Miyagawa on his grandparents' farm near Lakeview, Michigan. James "Jim" is survived by his loving wife, Betty (Benjamin) Miyagawa, with whom he shared an incredible 65 years united in marriage. Together, they had three sons. Jim graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1948, and Kalamazoo College in 1952. He spent a lifetime at his family business, George's Appliance Company, and became company president in 1959 when his father passed away. He served one term as president of the Kalamazoo TV & Appliance Dealers Association. As their boys were growing up, Jim and Betty worked many years with the Scouts as Den Leaders, Scoutmaster, District, Council and Regional positions. Jim was honored with the Scoutmaster's Key, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver and was a Wood Badge Course Director. A member of the Oshtemo and Portage Rotary Clubs, Jim's Rotary service began in 1968 and extended into 15 missions to Nicaragua and three to Peru. Latter missions focused on eye surgery and construction of a medical clinic in the Huamachuco, Peru, Andes. He was president of the Portage Rotary 1971-1972. Jim enjoyed attending Saint Andrews Community Church for as long as he was physically able. He later enjoyed his visits from Pastor Jim Dyke. His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care he received from staff at Rose Arbor Hospice. On June 14, 1952, he was united in marriage to Betty Miyagawa who survives. Also surviving, 2 sons, David (Marcia) and Thomas (Mary Claire), sisters-in-law Mary Mosher and Bonny Miyagawa, nephew John Miyagawa, nieces Kay (Bill) Ennis, Robin (Ken) Howard, Terry (David) Gappa, nephews Richard (Julie) Taylor, Brian (Joelle) Mosher and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son James Robert in 2015, his brother Capt. George Robert "Bob" Miyagawa USN in 2016, his parents, Betty's parents, sisters- in-law Ellen Miyagawa and June (Richard) Taylor. A memorial gathering and service will be announced at a later date. Private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to St. Andrews Community Church or Rose Arbor Hospice. Please visit James' personalized webpage for online guestbook or to leave a condolence. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. www.langelands.com .