A Love Story 80 Years in the Making George Jiten and Jean Yoshiye Tsukashima
Valencia residents, George Jiten and Jean Yoshiye Tsukashima are one of only four couples in the entire United States that have been married for more than 80 years, each reaching the age of 100. Since their meeting, they’ve been through their fair share of hardships and turmoil, but their story is one for the ages – literally.
George was born in Gardena and went to North Hollywood High, and Jean was born in Los Angeles and went to Torrance High. They first met at a skating rink in Torrance when Jean was 19 years old, George 20. After eight decades, five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren, they’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to keep a marriage strong.
When the U.S. entered the war in the 1941, Presidential Executive Order #9066 sent over 120,000 Japanese Americans into internment camps during early 1942. In order to prevent themselves from being separated, they got married. They were relocated and housed at Santa Anita racetrack, before being sent to Manzanar internment camp (one of 11 internment camps). They remained there until 1945, where the family was granted a job and was transferred to New Jersey. In 1949, they moved back to California, soon to be their permanent residence.
Their children, Ron, Dan and Darlene share that the Tsukashima family as a whole is very close-knit. Family gatherings and sports with the grandkids and great grandkids are what keep them together.
Today, both George and Jean are 100 years old, having celebrated their birthdays in November 2021 and April 2022, respectively. Also celebrated in April was their 80th wedding anniversary, which is a timeless celebration of their love and respect for each other.
“Their relationship has taught my siblings and I to be generous and good people,” says Dan. He, his older brother, and younger sister are all in their 70s and have all been married over 50 years as well.
The story of George and Jean Tsukashima is one of unending loyalty, perseverance, and above all, love. Their relationship stands as a testament to the power of it all, and a marriage that has so staunchly endured the test of time is one that deserves to be celebrated.
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