James V. "Jim" Nakashima, 56, died Wednesday, December 29, 2004 at home.  He was born on February 13, 1948, son of Dr. Victor and Sara "Kay" (Speagle) Nakashima.

Jim's career was dedicated to children and adults with special needs.  He worked for the Dubuque Community School District and ARC or more than 30 years.  Jim lived each day to the fullest and had a remarkable life.  His faith in God and devotion to his family and friends was unconditional.

A self-taught musician, Jim was passionate about music.  He was skilled on anything with strings and had volumes of musical knowledge and trivia.  Jim's hero was Bill Monroe, the Godfather of Bluegrass.  His childhood dream was to be a fast enough guitar picker to be one of Bill's original Blue Grass Boys.  Jim also loved weekend garage sales and getting a "good deal".

Surviving are a son, Michael (Kelly Shaw) Nakashima, of Minneapolis; a daughter, Becky (Will) Brooke, of Davenport, IA; the loving mother of his children, Dianne Stroehle, of Dubuque; four brothers, Robert (Susan), Thomas (Lindsey), Terry (Shelly) and Gary (Jo) Nakashima; many special nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Blanca and Ruthie Mae.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Jeffrey Nakashima.