Jim Oyama

Jim Oyama was 89, when he passed away at his home in Caldwell on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, while fighting leukemia.
Jim was born in Seattle, Wash., on October 8, 1918, to Johei and Hatsumo Oyama. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1936, while working long hours helping his siblings and parents run their family farm.
After World War II began, he and his family were forced to relocate with other Japanese-Americans living near the West coast. They were first moved to an internment center near Fresno, Calif. Later in 1942, they were moved again to Tule Lake Relocation Center in Northern California. A third move in September of 1943, brought them to the Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. Jim married his wife, Mary, in 1943 while at the Minidoka camp. Also while they were there, his first son, Wayne, was born, on Oct. 9, 1944.
After World War II, Jim worked briefly in Ogden, Utah, before moving to Idaho in 1945. His second son, Wendell, was born on June 24, 1946. In 1952, he began working for the post office in Caldwell. Jim became the nation's first Japanese-American postmaster in 1966, when he was appointed Caldwell's postmaster.
Jim enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening and his grandchildren during his retirement years.
In addition to his wife, Mary, and sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne (Donna) and Wendell (Jane); Jim is survived by his brother, Roy; sister-in-law, Nori; sister, Katie; grandchildren, Edward, Jonathan and Elizabeth; plus numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older brothers, Tak and Takeo; and brother-in-law, Steve Hirai.
Funeral services will take place Monday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. at Dakan Funeral Chapel, Caldwell, with interment to follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with Jim's family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com.