Jacqueline Louise (Clark) Yamashita
Obituary
Jacqueline Louise "Jackie" Clark Yamashita, 77, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving children.
She was born on September 17, 1948, in Watsonville, California, to Jim and Joy Clark.
A lifelong resident of Aromas, California, Jackie attended Aromas Elementary School, Moreland Notre Dame School, and graduated from Mora High School. Aromas was not just where she lived - it was home. It was where she built her life, raised her children, and created decades of memories filled with laughter, tradition, and love.
Jackie began her working life at Ford's Department Store in Watsonville. She later worked at several local banks, including Bank of America and Valley National Bank. She eventually devoted over 30 years of service to the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, where she became a familiar and caring presence in the community. Her dedication, warmth, and steady kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She was fun-loving, funny, and full of spirit. True to her Buddhist name, Great Joy, Jackie brought warmth, kindness, and generosity wherever she went.
She had a gift for hospitality and was famous for her homemade pickles and jams, lovingly prepared and happily shared with family and friends. Summers at Harris Ranch were among her favorite traditions - sitting by the pool, relaxing, and enjoying time surrounded by those she loved.
She also cherished visits to San Francisco's Chinatown and treasured her travels to Japan with her sister-in-law Toshiko and her son Musashi.
Above all, Jackie was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Tracy Jackson Brooks, Jill Jackson Moran, and Musashi Yamashita; her brother, Jeff Clark; her grandchildren, Brandon Brewer, Kory Moran, Andi Moran, Jeran Polockow, Terah Polockow, TJ Moran, and Caitlin Moran; and her great-grandchildren, River, Eli, Tommy, Mia, Penny, Holley, Emma, Carson and Adelynn. She also leaves behind nieces, many cousins, and close and dear friends who were like family to her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tommy Yamashita, and her grandson, Zachary Brewer.
Jackie's life was defined by love - love of family, love of laughter, love of tradition, and love expressed through the simple joy of giving.
Her warmth, humor, and generous heart will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge Street, Watsonville, California.
Published in The Pajaronian · March 9, 2026