In Memoriam
Sachiko Isa McShea
1937 - 2026
Sachiko Isa McShea, affectionately known as “Koko-san,” passed away peacefully on August 16.
Born in Okinawa, Japan, Sachiko came to the United States as a young woman and built a remarkable life defined by courage, hard work, family, and service. She raised five children and became a beloved member and leader of the Japanese community in North Carolina.
For more than 40 years, Sachiko operated Japanese businesses, ultimately establishing Toyo Shokuhin & Gifts in Cary. More than a store, it became a welcoming gathering place for the Japanese community and a place where Koko-san shared her warmth, generosity, and love of Japanese culture.
In recognition of her contributions to strengthening the relationship between Japan and North Carolina, Sachiko received the JASNC Japan America Community Service Award in 2023.
Koko-san was a devoted mother, grandmother, friend, mentor, and community leader whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. Her legacy will live on through her family, the community she served, and the many people fortunate enough to have known her.
JASNC extends its deepest condolences to the McShea family and honors the enduring legacy of Koko-san.
Memorial Service:
Friday, Aug 28th at 11 AM
Gathering Park Place
2240 Gathering Park Place, Cary, NC 27519
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to The Japanese School of Raleigh in honor of Sachiko McShea. Gifts can be made at this URL https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Jlsr.
Thank you for your kind remembrance.
お花の代わりに、佐知子・マクシェアさんを偲び、日本語学校オブ・ローリーへご寄付をお寄せいただけましたら幸いです。
ご寄付は、以下のURLよりお申し込みいただけます。
https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Jlsr
皆様の温かいお心遣いに、心より感謝申し上げます。
Former Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.
1937 - 2025
James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina’s longest-serving governor and a lifelong champion of the state and its people, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at his family farm in Wilson County.
Born in Greensboro and raised on his family’s farm in Wilson County, Governor Hunt dedicated more than six decades to public service. He served as lieutenant governor and was elected governor four times, serving a total of 16 years.
Throughout his career, Governor Hunt helped transform North Carolina into a national leader in education, research, technology, and economic development. He believed deeply in the potential of North Carolina and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for its people.
His commitment to education was a defining part of his legacy. Among his many accomplishments, he championed statewide public kindergarten, improved teacher pay, and strengthened North Carolina’s educational institutions.
Governor Hunt also understood the importance of North Carolina’s relationship with Japan and the vital contributions of Japanese companies to the state’s economy and communities. In recognition of his longstanding leadership in strengthening Japan–North Carolina business and economic ties, he received the JASNC James B. Hunt Jr. Japan–North Carolina Business Leader Award in 2025.
Governor Hunt leaves an extraordinary legacy of public service, perseverance, and dedication to North Carolina. His belief that “Hunts aren’t quitters” reflected the determination with which he approached both his work and his life.
JASNC extends its deepest condolences to the Hunt family and honors Governor Hunt’s enduring contributions to North Carolina and to the relationship between North Carolina and Japan.
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