Age 70, Waipahu, Hawaii. Born in Honolulu on June 13, 1951 passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2022.Survived by: Daughter Jamerlee N. Kahalehoe, Son Daniel P.H. Kahalehoe (Alyssa), Sisters- Gwendolyn P. Rowland, Pua McElhaney, Brothers- Walter, John (Kanani), Anthony (Anna), Peter Ai. Preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Aileen (2010), his parents James and Ellen (Marciel), 3 siblings - James Kalakahi, Francis Vierra, and Evelyn Kawailani Fernandez Olsen. James has 2 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren; aunt Mary (Delwin) Beazley.
James graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1969. Soon after, he joined the Hawaii Army 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks as a radar crewman. In 1977 he joined the Hawaii Army National Guard's 298th Engineer Detachment. In 1993 he was appointed by General Richardson to be the senior enlisted leader. James was also involved in the Youth Challenge program.
James was well loved and respected throughout Hawaii and beyond. He helped everyone in need and was a pillar in our lives because of his vast services to our community. You could always count on James to get the job done no matter how big or small. James was a people person. He loved to golf and spent two weeks every summer in Alaska fishing. He brought back halibut, salmon, and red fish to share with his family and friends. James was an avid golfer and every Tuesday he would meet with General Richardson and company to golf.
James served in the United States Army and was the State Command Sergeant Major (CSM) from December 6, 1993 - December 5, 1999. He served with General Ric Richardson at the Hawaii National Guard and until James' untimely death they continued as avid golf partners. James was a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha 1, Chapter 1. He was an active member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars where he served with honor and duty. For over 30 years he worked as an electrician at Pearl Harbor. At his untimely passing, James worked for the Veteran Affairs at Tripler Army Medical Center as the department's service officer representing veterans multiple medical and physical needs. He also worked for Naturally Plus USA, Inc under the tutelage of President Takashi Tajima.
Funeral is on Thursday, April 14, 2022, 8am; Visitation is at the Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary from 8am - 10am. Services: 10am - 11am. Pastries, coffee and soft drinks are available for breakfast. Lunch will be served from 11 am to 12:30 pm Burial: Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery- Kaneohe (Hawaiian Memorial Cemetery), 1 pm.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
