James Nuuanu Cipriano

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for James Nuuanu Cipriano, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

James was born on November 17, 1961 at Kona Hospital in Kona, Hawaii to George and Mary Cipriano. Raised in Ho‘Okena, Hawaii, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. These were traits that he would carry with him throughout his life. As a young boy, James was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, James also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. James was raised with eight siblings: Geraldine Ely, Emelia Kiwaha, George Cipriano Jr., Marilee Alapai, Imogene Keka, John Cipriano, David Cipriano, and Matthew Cipriano. James was constantly involved in activities with his family. James and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, James was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. James was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, James was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. James took part in a number of activities as a child, like basketball and football. In his spare time he liked to build and craft things.

James enjoyed learning and was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, James was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Konawaena High School in 1979 where he was a part of Future Farmers of America.

Most folks would say that James was shy until they got to know him. Those who were privileged to know him well learned that he was a solid, good friend. He could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that he made, James kept. While growing up, some of his best friends were Brian Dinson and Thomas Ahtou, whom he stayed friends with throughout the years.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for James. On July 26, 1991 James married Desirae Malia Alexis Smith at the Justice of the Peace of Kailua Kona, Hawaii. He was totally committed to Desirae and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if James naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although James disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

James was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, James was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. James was blessed with two daughters, Darice Kawailani Cipriano and De'ja Malia Cipriano. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Dalayna, Dezlyn, Davina, and Taj.

If you gave James a deadline, he would meet it. At work, James was always on task. Without hesitation, James could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was in customer and ground service for Delta Airlines where he worked for 25 years.

James was a Navy veteran. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. He was on the Navy aircraft carriers Ranger, Kitty Hawk, and VF-1 Wolfpack.

James liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced James's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, James preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were diving, building, and creating things. He was also a football fan and enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos whenever he got the opportunity.

James passed away on September 18, 2019 at Las Vegas, Nevada. He is survived by his wife, Desirae Cipriano; his two daughters, Darice and De'ja Cipriano; and four grandchildren, Dalayna, Dezlyn, Davina, and Taj. Services were held at Palm Southwest Mortuary.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. James was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. James was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. James Cipriano was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with James. He will be missed.