James Andrew Stanton

James “Jim” Andrew Stanton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and mentor passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. He loved life, loved his family, friends and clients, he was always grateful and positive and determined to live life to the fullest.

Family and friends are invited to gather for his funeral service on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery Glass Chapel, located at 45-425 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. A light lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m., and burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. on site.

Born on March 18, 1937, in Marion, Indiana, Jim graduated from Wabash College, earning his B.A. degree in 1959, majoring in history, political science, and psychology. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate (JD) from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in 1963. While attending law school, he worked for the U.S. Department of State, beginning what would become a legal career spanning more than a half-century.

In 1965, Jim joined the U.S. Department of the Interior, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands as a District Legal and Land Title Officer in Palau, later serving as an Assistant Attorney General in Saipan. He moved to Hawaii in 1972, where he worked as in-house counsel for Hawaiiana Investment Company, a subsidiary of C. Brewer and Company, Limited, before establishing his own practice. He was the founding partner of Stanton, Clay & Tom (now Clay Iwamura Pulice Nervel et. al.) and later established his own law firm, Stanton Law Group, focusing on business/corporate law, family law, and immigration law, helping thousands of people. He was one of the “four pillars” of immigration law practice in Hawai’i, where colleagues conferred with him on complex legal matters.

Jim was a respected member of the Hawaii State and American Bar Associations and served as Chairman of the Hawaii Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (1985–1986). He also contributed to the community as Judge Advocate for the U.S. Navy League, Honolulu Chapter (1988–1990), and as Counsel and Director for the U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association (U.S.S. Bowfin) from 1988 to 2003.

Dedicated to education, Jim shared his expertise as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Hawai’i Pacific University (1977–1989) and later as an Adjunct Professor of Immigration Law at the University of Hawai’i’s William S. Richardson School of Law (1998–2001).

Outside of his professional life, Jim was known for his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors. He enjoyed running marathons, swimming, playing paddle tennis, and traveling. His journeys took him across Asia, Central and South America, Micronesia, and Europe, where he found joy in meeting people, experiencing new cultures, art, and historic places. Jim was an avid reader, music lover, and had an eye for art and antique archaeology, collecting hundreds of artifacts, artwork, and books from across the world, which were displayed all over his office and home. He was a generous philanthropist and always gave back to his community.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 15 years, Shirling Stanton; his children Andrew Stanton, Heather Moretzsohn, Elizabeth Stanton-Barrera, and William (Fred) Stanton; and his seven grandchildren: Olivia, Isabella, Kristen, Santiago, Benicio, Duke, and Malie.

He will be remembered for his integrity, intellect, humor, warmth, and the countless lives he touched through his work and friendships.