Last week, Past District Governor, James "Jim" Hamai passed away in Cypress, California. He, with the support of his lovely wife Dorothy, led District 5280 in the Rotary year 1982-83. He was a long time member of the Lawndale Rotary Club. He had many friends in Rotary not only in District 5280, but leading Rotarians around the world. He was very committed to the Rotary Foundation, and through his leadership, he inspired his Lawndale Club to be one of the top ten per capita Rotary Clubs in the world in giving to the Foundation.
He also developed a life long friendship with his fellow Governor elect classmate in Oshikaga East Rotary club in Japan. The two PDGs arranged a club to club exchange with the youth in both Oshikaga East and the Lawndale Rotary clubs that lasted over 35 years. The children and grandchildren would spend one month each summer in Oshikaga Japan, then return with their Japanese guests to Lawndale for a month visit. These were such powerful and educational experiences for those who participated in these exchanges. Jim's dedication to Rotary, and its ideals, will continue to influence Rotarians now and in the future.