Rev. Shodo Toyoji “Jimmy” Yanagihara, 85-year-old Buddhist Churches of America Minister Emeritus, passed away on Sept. 19, 2017 in Fresno, Calif.
Born and raised in San Diego, Yanagihara served in the United States Army as a medic. He returned to civilian life and spent his early career as an X-ray technician before deciding to change careers and enter the Buddhist ministry. He served for nearly 30 years as a Buddhist minister at the Gardena, Watsonville, San Jose, Guadalupe, and San Luis Obispo Buddhist temples.
Rev. Yanagihara enjoyed his final years at the Vintage Gardens Assisted Living Community in Fresno. Rev. Yanagihara is survived by son Dale Michio (Boku) Yanagihara of Fresno and many relatives. Pre-deceased by his wife, the late Patsy Harue, and his siblings, brother Tom and sister Mari Tanizaki of San Diego.
The Buddhist Churches of America-sponsored Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Gardena Buddhist Church, 1517 West 166th Street, Gardena, beginning at 3:00 p.m.