James B. Respicio's Obituary
James Benjamin Respicio was born on March 4, 1937 in Ewa, O’ahu, Hawai’i. He was the 12th of 14 children born to Bruno Respicio and Maria Sahagun. Bruno and Maria immigrated from Laoag, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines and settled in Fernandez Camp Village for sugar cane plantation workers in the early 1900’s.James attended Ewa Elementary, Waipahu High School (graduating in 1955), and Leeward Community College in the late 1970’s. He married Jane Louise Gabuco soon after graduating from high school on September 17, 1955 in Ewa, Hawai’i. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Jaclyn, Jade, and Jeana. Having started a family at a young age, he was determined to carry the responsibility of being a good husband and father. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1959, which became the passport for adventure and a better way of life for them all. He attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Fort Benning, Georgia and attained the very distinguished rank of full Colonel (O6). He was a quiet but effective officer and was respected by all. We are all very proud of his many accomplishments, including his service during the Vietnam War, receiving a “Bronze Star” for heroic achievement, and “Cross of Gallantry with Palm” medal in recognition of his deeds of valor and heroic conduct while in combat. He started off in the National Guard and served 33 years with the US Army. He completed his Associates Degree and also worked in other industries, including Hi-Grade Plumbing, Inc., as a Manager in the Department of Agriculture with the State of Hawai’i. He has always been an honorable and brave patriot, who is loving and giving to others.His beautiful wife Jane passed away on August 24, 1984. James later fell in love, and was engaged to Betty Vergara Domdom. James met Betty while she was visiting her hanai mother, Juliana Lariosa in Hawai’i after her hanai father, Henry Lariosa, passed away. Betty and James had a shared experience in that her husband, Oliver, and his wife, Jane, both died too young from cancer. He remained a resident of Makakilo, Hawai’i but spent much of his time in San Diego, California since 1999 to be closer to Betty. He established friendships and good relationships with lots of people in San Diego. He will be remembered as a quiet, dignified, loving, caring, respectful, humble, and very supportive individual. James was a big fan of Frank Sinatra, especially his song, “My Way”. He loved his family, watching TV, keeping up with people on Facebook and enjoyed the spectacle of playing slots at his favorite Barona Resort & Casino.Col. James Respicio, you will always be loved and your memory honored by Betty and family (Dahlia and Lokeni Porter and children Alofasau, Allana, Lokeni Walker; Daisy and Oscar Juanitas and daughter Generosa; Dinna Domdom and Frank Canha), your daughters and son-in-laws (Jaclyn and Steven Wills; Jade and Donald Curtis; Jeana and David Kaio), grandchildren (Jared Curtis, Channelle Wills, Abraham & Leslie Wills, Joshua & Camille Wills, Peleioholani Kaio, Papanu’umealani Kaio), great-grandchildren (Cortney Wills-Alcos, Cierra Wills-Alcos, Kanaloa Wills-Alcos, Kala’i Wills-Alcos, Breeze Wills), brothers (Artemio, Cornelio, Bruno), sister (Catherine Cabudol), many cousins, nieces, and nephews, friends, and ‘ohana in Hawai’i, Florida, and San Diego, California.
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