01 July 2011

A third-generation farmer, John Oji has been working on his family's farm, Oji Brothers farm, near Yuba City for over forty years. The family tradition began when his grandfather arrived in the Sacramento area from Japan when he was just a teenager. He diligently worked on various farms until he was able to acquire some land of his own. John's father followed in his footsteps and also became a farmer.

When World War II broke out, the family was relocated to Denver, where John's father was able to continue working on a farm. It was during this period that John was born. After the war ended, the family returned to California. Since the family land in Sacramento had been confiscated during the war, the family settled near Yuba City to establish a new farm. It was here that Oji Brothers farm was established by John's father and two uncles.

Today, John still farms that same land that his father and uncles started working more than 60 years ago. While he's the sole family member still working in the business, his "farm family" consists of 12 year-round staff members which grows up to as many as 40 during peak summer months. The farm produces a variety of crops including 450 acres of walnuts, 350 acres of honeydew melon and 300 acres offer vegetable seed crops, such as cucumbers and squash.

Managing the farming operation is a full-time job, but it's one that allows John to combine work with his first love―flying. A Vietnam War veteran who served as a helicopter crew chief, John has been flying since 1970. After the War, John took advantage of the GI Bill to obtain his private pilot's license, commercial pilot's license as well as his multi-engine license and instrument rating. Over the years, John has logged more than 7,500 hours in the air and flies every day as part of his farming operation. John treats his plane almost as a pick-up truck, using it during his daily farm work. With a paved landing strip and two hangars on his property, getting around, whether it's for work or pleasure, is a breeze.

Flying isn't John's only hobby. He also enjoys clay target shooting, scuba diving, fly fishing, and his newest pastime, RVing with his wife, Diane. In the next few months, the couple plans to take their RV to Eugene, Oregon, the Graeagle area in the Sierras, and the Rogue River on the Oregon Coast. John also enjoys spending time with his three children Carrie, Mimi and Patrick, and his 3 month old grandchild. While his two daughters have stayed relatively close to home, with one living in San Francisco and the other in Roseville, his son currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, where he continues the family tradition of working on a farm.

With a full and active life and a thriving business, John says he has no plans to retire. "I enjoy what I'm doing. As long as my health holds on, I'd like to keep doing this as long as I can."