Jun Nagamatsu lived life!  

Jun lived an amazing life until November 18, 2022, when he passed at age 60, after absolutely enriching the life of every person lucky enough to have crossed his path - from the crew at Glacier Pizza, to the UAA Hockey Team who was fed for free from his beloved restaurant, to the friends and family he cherished, and to his wife, Carrie, who was fiercely loved by one of the most incredible humans so many of us had good fortune to know.

Jun was born in Seattle, WA and was the youngest of four, whose parents met in Japan before dad brought his bride to America. Growing up in the 1960’s as an Asian-American, losing his father at a young age, and watching his family struggle gave Jun incredible resilience; his heart took those experiences and turned them into opportunities to spread joy to others in need. Jun was the man who understood that time was the most valuable gift he could give to others. He always showed up for both the big and small moments in life. After a lifetime of giving, his heart needed a transplant and he fought hard for years to overcome the challenges his health brought, often through humor and always with grit. Even in his passing, Jun continues to give as an organ donor and would be thrilled to know he was able to improve the lives of others.

Jun moved to Alaska after graduation to help his mom with her business, after graduating with a degree in Business from Seattle Pacific University and also excelling in collegiate golf through the University of Washington. He made Alaska his home and met the love of his life, Carrie, in 1995. They were well-matched, great partners who were also completely independent and it was a great friendship that later grew into a deeply committed love. The two shared a love of experiencing new adventures through travel, and absolutely loved their pups, Kula and Hani, along with friends who always turned into family. Being with family and, in particular, being an uncle was a very important role that brought Jun so much joy. His easy laugh, quick wit and unwavering generosity always made children feel safe, important, and loved. He gave time and love to family and friends. The impact of his loss is immense to more than can ever be mentioned. You know who you are and how much he loved and cared for you.

Incredibly generous, Jun loved to discover what your needs were and provided it in abundance before you even realized you needed help. He was very empathetic towards those with special needs and people struggling with addiction. He didn’t enable those around him and instead, they were truly seen, felt valued, and understood their importance because he reminded them when they had forgotten it. He volunteered at and supported the Special Olympics, AK Council for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Volunteers of America, many local schools, was a member of the Moose’s Lodge, and gave in too many other areas to count. Jun mentored many and had high expectations of those around him because he really wanted all of us to live our best lives. He went to Buddhist School as a child, in a little orange robe, and understood from a young age the value of compassion during suffering. 

Golf and sports were his passions, along with cooking, going to the movies, and being in Costco. For 24 years, Jun played in Darwin's Golf League and even after a stroke, his worst score on the course was what most people aspire to. He looked like Bambi on ice after taking up hockey in his 30s, but it made him happy and he was fun to watch at the rink. He was involved in youth sports by officiating local basketball games. He was famous for his Chicken Sauce and pizza, was a die-hard Top Gun fan, was loud, messy and could not lie to save his life due to an uncontrollable smirk. He loved rolling dice in Las Vegas, living like a local in Hawaii and exploring the world and its cuisine.

Jun loved anything that brought people together so we will celebrate his life at Kincaid Park Chalet, on January 27, 2023 at 4:00 pm. Please visit everloved.com/life-of/jun-nagamatsu to share a memory or photo of Jun with his family and friends. In his memory, please sign up to be an Organ Donor and leave a voicemail for someone you love about why they matter and that you will cherish them forever.

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