Obituary of James Waka

James “Jim” Waka passed away peacefully on September 3, 2015 in Cape Coral, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. James was born on December 14, 1931 in New York City to Katsugi and Margaret Wakabayashi. During his service in the United States Navy, James was stationed at US Naval Air Base Sangley Point in the Philippines where he met and fell in love with Veronica Santos. Eventually, they were married and raised a large family in Brooklyn, New York. James and his wife moved to Florida after retiring from a long, successful career as a foreman with Verizon. James is survived by his devoted wife Veronica and by his seven children: William and his wife Debi, Arthur and his wife Mary, Kenneth and his wife Evelyn, Anthony and his wife Dawn, John and his wife Susan, Victor and his wife Elleanore, and his daughter Sandra. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and his sister Eleanor of California. James will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his passion for learning, his generosity and his quiet intellect. He inspired others to do better, to reach higher through his example. He will forever remain in his family’s hearts and minds.