Jim Yoshio Tazoi

Garland, Utah - Jim Yoshio Tazoi, 87, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007 in Perry, Utah due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Jim was the oldest son of Matakichi and Miye Nakao Tazoi. Born August 28, 1919 in Garland, Utah, living a few years in Fielding, then returning to Garland, where his father bought the farm where he and his wife of 59 years, Kimiko, still reside.
Jim attended Garland Elementary and graduated from Bear River High School in 1937. He enrolled at and was in his second year of Utah State, where he served as president of the new fraternity on campus, Gamma Phi. He and his friends then joined the Army March 3, 1941, nine months before December 7. Then war from there, he, along with his fellow soldiers in the 100th/442nd all-Japanese regiment, fought gallantly and bravely for their country, the U.S.A., following his mothers comments as she bid him good bye, "You can go to the Army. If you don't come back, that's okay, but don't bring shame to your family or to your country."
The 100th/442nd suffered over 800 casualties including 200 fatalities. The last battalion suffered 64 casualties. The 442nd became known as the "Purple Heart Battalion." The official reports of the battle describe the following: "Private First Class, Jim Y. Tazoi, a radioman for company K because of his size, 5'8", 140 pounds, one of the biggest in his regiment, joins the attacking element although hampered by the heavy radio. He opens fire on a machinegun nest exposing himself to draw their fire. Later, Tazoi saw two of his men trapped by German grenadiers. He moves up to help them and is shot through the shoulder and chest by a sniper's bullet, but continues to advance, killing the two grenadiers." A German grenade exploded on or near him, tearing open his stomach and embedding shrapnel in his leg, he continued to carry until the day he died.For his actions and multiple wounds, Jim received the Distinguished Service Cross DSC, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. He also received the Crest of Valor from the Italian Government, one of only four awarded to men in the 442nd.
He has been honored by Governor Oleen Walker. He was invited to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by the Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. After war and recovery, Jim returned home to Utah, where he would meet, court and eventually marry Kimiko Yagi January 15, 1948 in Brigham City. They were together when he died.
Jim and Kimi had three sons and worked the family farm. They grew sugar beets, onions, some of Utah's best "bleached celery", hay and various grains until they retired. He enjoyed sports of every kind, excelling in baseball. He coached women's soft ball and was a volunteer umpire for many years.
Surviving are his wife, Kimiko Yagi Tazoi, Garland, UT; son, Edwin J Tazoi, West Jordan, UT; grandchildren: Katharine Doug Bartlett, Plymouth, MA, Emilee Tazoi, Brigham City, UT, JD Tazoi, Sandy, UT, Jordan E Tazoi, Sandy, UT; great grandson: Hunter Iverson, Brigham City, UT; brother, Taichi Tazoi, Cypress, CA; Sisters: Ruth Robert, deceased Koga, Anaheim, CA, Maye Jaye Chikasawa, Moorpark, CA, Miyako "Mickie" Tak Watanabe, Anaheim, CA, Faye Robert Toma, Culver City, CA; numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Donald Y. and Lt. Col. Douglas Tazoi; sisters: Michiko and Masako and brother, Dick.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Garland LDS Tabernacle, 140 West Factory St., Garland with Bishop Paul Beus officiating. Friends and family may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2007 and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Tabernacle. Interment at the Garland Cemetery.