Ken Miyamoto, emeritus board director of JACom Credit Union, passed away on May 16. He was 93.
Although not one of the original founders, Miyamoto was part of the credit union family long before becoming a member himself in 1963.
JACom Credit Union was chartered as L.A. Southwest Japanese Credit Union in 1951 to help the Japanese American community residing in southwest Los Angeles to purchase homes.
An incarceree at Manzanar during World War II, Miyamoto was one of many who toiled long hours on a pro bono basis, volunteering his time at the credit union after working all day as a gardener. His devotion and service to the credit union helped countless Japanese American families to reestablish their lives in Southern California after the war.
JACom Credit Union today is a full-service $83-million financial institution serving more than 11,000 members.
“There are no words to properly express our appreciation to him for playing an integral part in the credit union’s history,” said Ken Takemoto, JACom chief executive officer.
“As a member of the Credit Committee, we estimate he has approved over $400 million in loans to our members. As a member of our board of directors, he has played a vital role in helping the Credit Union grow into a full-service financial institution.
“We cannot properly thank Mr. Miyamoto for his countless years of service, support, hard work, and friendship to the Credit Union. All we can do is say thank you. You will be missed.”