James Donald Hipple, 71, passed away on January 25, 2026. Born on November 6, 1954, in Elmira, New York, James grew up in Ithaca, New York. He will be remembered as a beloved, brave, cherished, compassionate, devoted, generous, hard-working, humorous, kind-hearted, loyal, resilient, selfless, thoughtful—and, at times, grumpy—man whose steady presence shaped the lives of those who loved him.
James was a bartender until he met a Marine Corps recruiter—an encounter that changed the course of his life. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7). He spent most of his career stationed at MCAS Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, now referred to as Marine Corps Base Hawaii. During his service, he loved working on airplanes, beginning as a parachute rigger and advancing to aviation maintenance chief.
On his 23rd birthday, November 6, 1977, James married his one and only love, Evelyn. Together they built a life centered on family, raising three children and welcoming one Hanai daughter, and they were blessed with seven grandchildren. Family was everything to him, and he lived that truth in the everyday ways that mattered most.
After retirement, James continued to work with his hands and follow what he loved—spending time working on boats and classic cars. He especially cherished his 2011 Shelby Cobra GT500. He also proudly embraced a role that brought joy to his family and community: he was the “Girl Scout Grandpa,” helping his granddaughter sell Girl Scout cookies with the same devoted spirit he brought to all he did.
James lived life on his terms until the very end, with a Red Bull in one hand and a cigarette in the other—unmistakably himself. His family is grateful for the life he gave them, the adventure he gave them, and the opportunities he provided by living in Hawaii. His legacy is one of steadfast love, service, and a life fully lived.
James is survived by his wife, Evelyn Joyce Hipple (James Donald Hipple); his children, Angela Kaye Cannon (Ely Cannon), Bethany Leigh Hale (Barry Eugene Hale), and James Donald Hipple Jr; his Hanai daughter, Kateri Lynn Dailey (Christopher O'Kelly); and his sisters, Karen Harvey and Susan Hipple. He was preceded in death by his father, Marcus Hipple; his mother, Cora Hipple; his brother, Mark Robert Hipple; and his sisters, Sandra States, Debbie Hipple.
Visitation will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel, 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, on April 1, 2026, at 10:00 am. Funeral Services will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel, 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, on April 1, 2026, at 11:00 am.
