James Christian Chae Jung Woo Tanahashi's Obituary
James Christian Chae Jung Woo Tanahashi, 28, was born in Denver, Colorado on June 21, 1997, and passed away in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi on May 11, 2026.
James was a chill guy, but was absolutely hilarious and down for anything. Growing up, he had a love to fly, learning everything about every aircraft that took off from the airport. This stayed with him his whole life as he learned to fly Cessnas, then pursued a career as an Air Traffic Control Specialist in Honolulu, working closely with the planes and skies he loved.
Beyond aviation, James had a passion for motorcycles and cars. He made some of the greatest friends of his life through riding, ones who saw him as their own brother. He learned to work on bikes and cars himself too, always happy to help with maintenance, installs, and repairs. He enjoyed surfing when the waves were right, golfing with friends on nice weekends, and finding the best food spots across the island to try out. He also loved his soul dog, Natsu, who went everywhere with him.
James was an amazing son to his parents who passed before him, Hideki and Christine Hae Won Tanahashi, a wonderful brother to his surviving sister, Taylor Moon Tanahashi Mora, and the best dog dad to his surviving pet, Natsu. He was the greatest friend someone could have, an incredibly capable, kind, and intelligent individual, and though he left this world sooner than anyone could have imagined, he will be forever missed and loved by all.
Fly high and ride fast James, the sky and road was always yours.
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