Jean Kikuchi was born in Okinawa, Japan in 1948. After her father left the US Civil Service, her family moved to Idaho to farm. Jean had two younger siblings, Gary and Nancy. Jean graduated Salutatorian from Parma High School, and she attended Idaho State University. There she met and married Ron Kikuchi. They had three children, Michelle, Craig and Kerry. Together they lived in Albuquerque and Huntington Beach before moving to Grover Beach.

Jean was always a homemaker and mom, but after moving to Grover Beach she and Ron became co-owners of Video Invasion Arcade in Pismo Beach with Gerry and Margie Kikuchi. Years later, Ron and Jean owned and operated Pismo Beach Liquor. 

Jean had an inquisitive mind, a positive “can do” spirit, and incredible determination. She was enthusiastic, energetic and always saw the best in people. She helped wherever there was a need, and she believed actions spoke louder than words. She showed her love for others through the many things she did for them. She was a Girl Scout leader, soccer referee, team mom, coach, parent helper at school, and volunteer at the People’s Kitchen. Jean was a seamstress, and she often used her sewing skills to help make items for church fundraisers. She and Ron helped raise her niece after her sister passed away, and they took care of her mom who had severe dementia until her mom died. 

Jean enjoyed all children, but she especially loved her grandchildren Kaitlyn, Collin, Ariana and Carson. They all loved hanging out with Grandma Jean because she was fun. She made the ordinary enjoyable, and she loved playing games. Jean was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, daughter, aunt and friend. Jean was the heart of our family, and we will all miss her dearly. 

Jean is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ron Kikuchi; sons, Craig Kikuchi and Kerry Kikuchi; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Todd Akey; niece, Katie Doi; brother, Gary Doi; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Collin, Ariana and Carson; mother-in-law Susy Eto Bauman; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Gerry and Margie Kikuchi and Lauren Eto and Jim Wawro. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Humie and Frank Doi and sister Nancy Doi.