James Ne'e Ne'e "Kimo" Puailihau's Obituary
James Ne'e Ne'e (Kimo) Puailihau, aka, James William Kaleikoa was born on November 10, 1933 in Kaluaaha, Molokai. He was the third of four children to William and Nancy (Kanahele) Puailihau.
As an infant, he was hanai to his grandmother Susanna Kaleikoa (Makaena). Grandma had also hanai her granddaughter, Mary (Hew Lin) Kana (Kaleikoa), who later became James-Hanai mother.
James did many things throughout his life. Most of all, he enjoyed providing for his family. As a youth, he became a master poi pounder, diver and fisherman. He became a cook in the Marines, a heavy equipment operator on both Oahu and Maui, a roofer for Honolulu Roofing Co., and an Aku boat fisherman. In his spare time, he raised pigs, threw nets, enjoyed motorcycle riding and even opened his own fruit stand in Kahakuloa called "Panini Pua Kea". He was known for his coconut candy and jams.
His greatest accomplishment was to become a Marine. He was a Korean War Veteran. His travels took him to Korea, Okinawa (Nara), and Naha Japan, near Mt. Fuji. He also did a stint on Iwo Jima before turning stateside.
James is survived by his wife, Arlene (Nishida), hanai daughter, Lauren H. Osumi, brothers: Bruno (Sonny), Isaac & Jacob Kana, Ben Miguel; sisters: Mary (John) Coston (Kana), Noe (Gary) Wailehua (Tom-Sun), Geri, Florence, and Barbara (Miguel). Step-children: Lorraine (Bruno) Kana (Hoopi'i); grandchildren: Donald, Dee Dee, Sally and Sheryl; great-grandchildren: Pono, Kaipo and Lilinoe; great-great-granchildren: Xander, Kaiden and Kalia-Lei, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Predeceased by first wife, Phoebe (Hoopi'i), brothers: David Puailihau and Mitchell Tom Sun; sisters: Susan Nakoa (Puailihau), Mabel Soriano (Puailihau) and Virginia Kana. Parents: William (Kaleikoa) and Nancy (Kanahele) Puailihau; Hanai parents: Ezra, Jr. and Mary Hew Lin (Kaleikoa) Kana; Paternal grandparents: David and Susanna (Puailihau) Kaleikoa (Makaena), and Tutu Man Makaena, and his many birds, cats, and dogs.
We would like to thank the Kula Hospital staff and nurses, and also those at Maui Memorial Hospital in their care of James. Special thanks to Dr(s). Scott Thompson at Kula Hospital and Dr. Jed Alaimalo at the VA Clinic and nurses and staff.
Thanks to all those who made Kimo's Celebration of Life program a success. I'm sorry if I left anyone out, our sincere thanks to you too.
As told to me by my husband, Kimo: "Don't cry for me, just keep smiling. I'm with my grandma and Tutu Man, but I'll be with you always".
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?