Minoru "Jim" Matsumori Obituary (1922 - 2010)

Minoru Matsumori, soon to have celebrated his 88th birthday, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2010. He was given the American name Jim by Mr. and Mrs. Ushio and he has used it ever since. He was born on August 16, 1922 to Kichibei and Tome Matsumori in Salt Lake City. He lived with his family in several different locations in the Salt Lake Valley. He graduated from Murray High School. In a class there, he built his first tractor. He married Mary T. Iwata on January 9, 1947, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Family was their pride and joy. He and his brother Tom made a good living. One life-changing event for both was joining the LDS Church. Jim credited their success in farming to this event! He and Tom chose not to work on Sunday, which for everyone else was the biggest payday on a farm. Despite their commitment to honor the Sabbath day, they were able to capture the entire Salt Lake market through innovative methods that kept their produce fresh. By the time they retired, he boasted of a fleet of 9 tractors. He was also an astute businessman and invested in several parcels of land and rental properties. Jim loved sports – baseball, golf, bowling, and especially fishing - and participated in them throughout his life. Fishing was the centerpiece for many family vacations. Service and leadership were the hallmarks of his life. He loved the Church and served in callings ranging from Bishop to Mission President. He served the Japanese community through JACL. He organized the first classes that helped the Isseis become American citizens. He accepted leadership roles with water and soil conservation districts on both the local and the national levels. He was also active with the Farm Bureau. In his later years, he and Mary loved to travel and to winter in St. George. Their enjoyment was heightened when joined by family and friends. He is survived by his children, Shirley Mills (Richard), James (Vicki), and Carol. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Lily Ozaki. Preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife and companion of 65 years, Mary, and two brothers, Tom and Sauce. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 7, 2010, at 11:00 AM at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Chapel, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, and can also be viewed on the web at www.jenkins-soffe.com Click on the obituary and follow the instructions there. The proceedings will be in real time. The webcast will start when the funeral begins. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 9:45 to 10:45 AM prior to the funeral. Interment Murray City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and koden, the family would be honored by a contribution in Jim’s name to the LDS Church Missionary Fund. Dad, you left us a great legacy. Thank you. We will cherish your memory in our hearts forever.