George Masatoshi Kimura

George Masatoshi Kimura, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated member of his community, passed away on November 18, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. He was born on March 20, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, and throughout his life, George exemplified resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his family and his profession.

After completing his military service in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1962, George demonstrated remarkable dedication and discipline, rising from Private to Sergeant. His service included roles as an Airman, Aviation Electrical Technician, and Radio Mechanic, which not only honed his technical skills and precision but also instilled in him traits of integrity and responsibility. He earned the Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary service while stationed in Japan, where the foundations of his character of resilience, responsibility, and a deep sense of duty were shaped.

With a thirst for knowledge and a desire to provide for his family, George embarked on an educational journey that was both challenging and rewarding. He began his academic pursuit at Washburne Trade School, where he faced the initial barrier of a vocational program lacking the necessary courses for college admission. Undeterred, George returned to night school to earn the qualifications needed, all while working two jobs and supporting his young family with toddlers at home and a newly immigrated wife. After 17 years of perseverance, George proudly obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, marking a significant milestone that reflected his commitment to his family’s future.

George's professional life began at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he contributed his skills to the academic and research environment that had once supported him as a student. He later brought his technical expertise to Motorola, where he worked as an engineer applying his technical expertise and Marine-honed discipline to cutting-edge electrical and communications projects. Following his time at Motorola, George held several electrical engineering positions throughout the Chicago area, continuing to expand his knowledge and adapt to evolving technologies. As life and family needs changed, he transitioned to the research department at Sears, where he brought his practical, analytical mindset to a new chapter of his career where he applied them toward performing product safety testing. In retirement, he became a skilled treadmill technician, applying the same precision and problem-solving ability to mechanical repair that he had once applied to aircraft maintenance and engineering work. He also managed a two-flat in Andersonville, displaying the reliability and integrity that characterized his entire career.

Judo was a lifelong passion for George — a discipline that shaped his character, guided his values, and connected him to a community that he loved. He began training while stationed in Japan with the Marine Corps in the mid-1950s, where his dedication to the art first took root. After returning home from the military, George continued his study under Sensei Okamora, deepening his skill and embracing the principles that defined him: respect, humility, focus, and perseverance. From the early 1960s through 1980, he taught at several Chicago institutions, including the Lawson YMCA, the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, the Duncan YMCA, and the Irving Park YMCA. His patient, encouraging approach helped students of all ages grow in confidence and discipline. From 1991 to 2012, George continued teaching at the New City YMCA, the Chicago Athletic Association, and eventually returned to the Irving Park YMCA. For more than seven decades, he guided countless students, including several who rose to the Olympic level. A dedicated member of the Chicago Black Belt Association and a certified referee, he achieved the rank of 5th-degree black belt. His lifelong involvement with the United States Judo Federation reflected his deep belief in community, mentorship, and personal growth. Through judo, George forged friendships, strengthened communities, and left a lasting legacy among generations of students who were shaped by his wisdom, kindness, and devotion to the art.

George found beauty in life’s simplest moments. He shared his warmth through the small joys he loved most—especially food. Maxwell Street hot dogs, Mexican street food, and the little hole-in-the-wall places he discovered around the city were favorites he delighted in introducing to others. He loved fishing, fixing mechanical things, working through puzzle books, searching flea markets for hidden treasures, and watching Westerns as well as Korean and Japanese dramas.

George was a man of honesty and quiet strength. He lived with deep integrity and always put others first, offering help, guidance, and a steady hand without ever seeking recognition. A natural teacher, he loved showing people how things worked and had endless patience for anyone willing to learn. With gentle manner, he taught his family curiosity, independence, and resourcefulness, and he took great joy in watching both his students and his loved ones grow. A pillar of kindness and generosity, George had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether offering a helping hand or engaging in heartfelt conversations, he touched countless lives with his compassion and warmth.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Masae, (nee Yoshimoto); his loving daughter, Julie (Todd) Asmussen; dear son, Paul (Mylen) Kimura; cherished granddaughter, Natalie Asmussen; He was preceded in death by his parents, Masaichi Kimura and Toyoko Kimura, (nee Nakamoto) and his fond siblings, Grace Kimura, Jean (Bob) Gloeckle, and Lawrence Kimura.

In keeping with the family’s wishes, services will be private. For those who would like to share a message, memory, or condolence, the family would be grateful to receive them by clicking on the submit a post link at the bottom of this web page.

George Masatoshi Kimura leaves behind a legacy defined by hard work, kindness, and an ever-present desire to connect with others. His warm spirit and unwavering support of those he loved will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched throughout his journey.