Jimmie Fusaji Yamane passed away on October 23, 2025, peacefully in his home in Yorba Linda with his daughters by his side. He leaves his brother, Teddy (Midori) Yamane; two daughters, Marion (Rod) Nishimura and Joanne (Steve) Ishii; grandchildren, Erin (Brian) Soohoo, Brandon (Nathalie) Morinaka, Craig (Taylor) Ishii, Nolan (Kristen) Nishimura, Colby Nishimura and Traci Ishii; great-grandchildren, Avery, Owen, Violet, Aiden and Casey; and many cousins and other relatives. Jimmie is predeceased by his dear wife, Kazie, and brother, Bobby (Michi) Yamane.
From 1950 to 1967, Jim worked as a technician in the Production Development Department at McCulloch Motors in Inglewood. McCulloch Motors at the time was known for making smaller engines for lawnmowers and chainsaws. It was during his time at McCullough that Jim became interested in karting. What started as a fascination evolved into a serious venture. Using McCullogh engines, he designed, built and drove his own go-kart competitively. This would lead him to Nassau in the Bahamas, where he won the first World Go-karting Championship with Kazie as his sole pit crew member. He continued racing competitively for four years until he injured his leg in a crash, ending his racing career.
After McCullogh, Jim found a position at UCLA as a welder-machinist in the Physics Department, where he helped fabricate machinery for research needs. He would work at UCLA from 1967 to 1991 before retiring.
His karting legacy became well publicized with numerous articles written in karting magazines and even in the Rafu Shimpo. Currently his karting legacy is on display at a Japanese American National Museum special exhibit called “Cruising-J Town” in Pasadena. He will be inducted into the Go Kart Hall of Fame in 2026.
Jimmie always loved competition — racing motorcycles, playing cards with friends, bowling, ping pong, golf, poker and blackjack. He went to Pechanga almost up until a few weeks before the end of his life. Competition was in his blood and that’s what made him happy.
A private family funeral and burial were held.
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