Jim and Donna Asam, married for 67 years, died a month apart from each other during the latter part of 2017. Jim, 90, the son of Robert and Jane Oi Lum Asam, was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Donna, 89, was born and raised in Mio, Michigan, the daughter of George and Iveline Johnson Richardson. Each shared wonderful stories of their youth. Jim talked about catching frogs and gathering duck eggs at the rice patties across from their home on Sheridan Street, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and then serving in the US Army stationed in New Caledonia. Donna reminisced about the hard work and fun of being raised on a small, rural, self-sufficient farm, hand churning butter, and tapping maple trees to make syrup. The two met in sunny California and were lovingly married on a cold and snowy winter day in Michigan. Settling in Honolulu, they enjoyed a multi-cultured extended family while proudly raising their children. They welcomed family and friends into their music filled home, with Jim on his ukulele and Donna on the piano. The joys of ballroom dancing and extensive ship cruises throughout the world extended past retirement. Age slowed them down, but they continued their ongoing love of and pride in their children, Kuhio, Donald, Candace, and Kevin. Their grandchildren, Trever, Robin, Traci, and Troy along with great-grandchildren Kaiwi, Koa, Kahoku, and Kanalu always brought smiles to their faces. Jim was predeceased by siblings Gilbert, Pearl, Myra, Lawrence, and Clarence. Donna is survived by her sister Grace, and predeceased by brother George, and sister Joyce. Jim and Donna will be fondly remembered with aloha by all who knew them. A brief commitment service will be held on Wednesday, March 14th at 10:30 AM at Punchbowl National Cemetery. The family requests no flowers and, in lieu, to make a contribution "In Memory of Jim and Donna Asam" to Lunalilo Home and/or Ronald McDonald House Hawaii.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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