November 22, 1949 — February 1, 2024
George Yamauchi, a man of many passions and deep love for his family, passed away on February 1, 2024, after bravely battling cancer for a year. George was born in Setagaya, Tokyo on November 22, 1949, to Mutsuko, his Japanese American mother, and Kazumichi, his Japanese father. In 1962 at the age of 12, George moved to the United States with his older brother, Richard. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, he began his studies in English at Marina Junior High before continuing his education at Venice High School.
In 1972, he earned a bachelor of science degree cum laude, followed by a medical school degree in 1976, both from UCLA. In 1981, he completed his urology residency at USC. From 1984 to 2008, George took pleasure in teaching at USC, serving as a clinical instructor in surgery and a clinical associate professor in urology. He dedicated over four decades to practicing at Advanced Urology before eventually retiring in 2022. He also enjoyed volunteering with the Japanese American Medical Association and with a team of Japanese physicians who provided long-term screenings and care for the survivors of the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
While he took great pride in his professional career and volunteer work, his greatest source of joy came from tending his extensive garden, adorned with beautiful flowers, bromeliads, staghorns, and distinctive plants. He initiated the growth of many vegetables from seeds harvested the previous year. He cultivated various berries, Kyoho grapes, passion fruit, and vegetables for his grandchildren to harvest and enjoy. Even as an empty-nester, he lovingly entrusted his daughters to care for “his babies,” the cherished plants that brought color and life to his home. Beyond his green thumb, George cherished moments spent fishing with friends at Panguitch Lake, Utah, sharing laughter over poker games and annual gatherings with lifelong friends. His love for storytelling, jokes, and camaraderie with loved ones enriched the lives of all who knew him.
George was deeply loved by his family, friends and medical community. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and a green oasis that will forever bloom in the hearts of his family and friends. His memory will be cherished for his passion for gardening and his ability to cultivate beauty and joy in every aspect of his life.
His cherished wife of 53 years, Janice Christine Yamauchi, survives him. He is also survived by his daughters, Ann (Ken Yu) Yamauchi, Caren (Karl Smith) Yamauchi, and Sharon (Makoto Ogawa) Yamauchi; grandchildren, Maggie and Michael Yu, and Sophie, Luke, and George Ogawa; siblings, Richard (Concetta) Yamauchi, Jon Sasaki, Tamako (Manabu) Abe, and Sumiko Hayashi of Japan. In addition, he is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.
Funeral services for the late Dr. George Joji Yamauchi, 74 years old, will be held on Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. at Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 815 E. First St. in Los Angeles.
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