James "Sonny" Kimura was born in Wailuku, Maui on 3/12/1957.  At the age of 6 months he moved from Maui to Los Angeles with his father, mother and two sisters.  His father James was an ironworker foreman who worked on downtown LA high rises.  One of his projects included the Los Angeles Coliseum where he engraved the family name.

Growing up in Hancock Park, James attended Catholic school.  He was sweet, kind, intelligent, athletic and shy.  He got straight As, played basketball, football and baseball and loved attending USC football games with his Dad and sisters.  He played with GI Joe toys, made models and though shy, took part in high school musical Bye Bye Birdie.

James graduated from The University of Southern California with a double major in Biology and Political Science.  While originally planning a career in dentistry, shortly after graduating, James got a summer job as a Production Assistant where he found a new love - the film industry.

After embarking on his career path, James met his first wife Diane in 1984, bought his first home in the Hollywood Hills (pictured here) and had two children, Lindsey and Daniel.  He was a loving, caring, protective and talented husband and father. 

He provided for his family, taught his children many valuable skills, coached his kids' soccer, basketball, baseball and football teams and took photos at games.

In 2000, James met his second wife Zia on television show Arliss.  They worked together and enjoyed many travel adventures including a trip to Japan, dancing at festivals and attending concerts.

James was a kind and loving father, husband, friend and partner.

James had a successful career of 41 years in the film and television industry.  He explored multiple facets and roles beginning as a PA.  He worked as a grip, electrician, best boy, gaffer, director of photography and director.  He started a lighting company called LDK Lighting.

As a DP and director, he specialized in tabletop and live action commercials with clients such as Coldstone, Donatos Pizza and Taco Bell and had the opportunity to work abroad in countries such Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile and France.  Check out one of his reels in the gallery!

James loved his work life and enjoyed meeting and developing relationships with his colleagues and co-workers.  A natural and gifted teacher, James mentored many in his industry passing along traditions and tricks of the trade.  He was a true friend to many, always lending a helping hand and lightening the mood with jokes and laughs.

Naturally gifted, James had many talents and hobbies.  He was adept in craftsmanship and created beauty in the world.  Naturally athletic, he pursued physical activities and sports.

As a kid, he built toy models of cars, airplanes and figurines.  He was an athlete and played high school football, baseball and basketball. 

As an adult, his interests included model making, dirt bike racing, surfing, scuba diving, shooting guns, RC racing, playing golf, taking photos and working on cars.