Koji “KJ” Shinsako

Koji “KJ” Shinsako
April 11, 1937 – October 20, 2020

Mr. Koji “KJ” Shinsako passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2020, at the age of 83 in Long Beach, Calif. He was born on April 11, 1937 in Los Angeles, California, to Misao Sunahara Shinsako and Sadao Shinsako.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy Shinsako Nakamura, nephew, David K. Nakamura, nieces, Judy Nakamura and Lisa Nakamura, and cousin, Suzy Sunahara-Walker.

He was born in Los Angeles, and was interned with his family in the Granada Relocation Center in Colorado, also known as Camp Amache, from 1942-1946. Koji was a talented artist and draftsman and worked at McDonnell Douglas where he won awards for his meticulous charts and diagrams. He was a deeply generous and compassionate person who had a natural affinity for animals, children, and people who were down on their luck.

His funeral service has been postponed because of COVID-19. In lieu of flowers or koden, please send donations to the following charities: the American Indian College Fund, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Donkey Rescue Fund.