James Alvin Reyes

James Alvin Reyes, 80, joined his beloved wife of over 46 years in Heaven on Thursday, March 24, 2017. "Jimbo," or "Alvin," was born on "The Garden Island" of Kauai, in Kilauea, Hawaii on November 14, 1936. After graduating from Waimea High School with his Class of the 1955 "Menehunes," he proudly went to serve his country in the U.S. Army for 30 years. His Army career began as a Helicopter Utility Repairman and he retired as Sergeant Major in July 1985 at WBAMC. His duties covered a vast territory stretching from Ft. Bragg, N.C. to Da Nang, Korea and Bad Kreuznach, Germany- 8th Infantry Division. He served as a Vietnamese interpreter, and as a Vietnam Veteran and M-16 Expert Rifleman, had earned numerous decorations and medals to include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct (10), National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign. James met the love of his life and married his "Yellow Rose of Texas", Dorothy, while stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas where she served many soldiers at the Officer's Club. As an avid and versatile softball player, primarily a pitcher, James was considered "a softball superstar" at WBAMC where he was the coach and manager for Troop Command and a champion many times over in all aspects of the game. His zeal for the sport kept him playing strong well into his senior years, competing in many tournaments across the country. He started playing at the age of 10 with the dream to play with the New York Yankees, but his devotion to duty could not sway him. His passion for sports and dedication to the Army held him the position of 11th ADA Brigade Sports Coordinator and Milam Physical Fitness Center Manager for over 25 years, retiring from Civil Service December 31, 2012. James was a stickler with the daily Crossword puzzle, Cryptoquote and Jumble and looked forward to family outings at the casinos in Vegas and New Mexico. He took pleasure in going to the movies and enjoyed watching John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and war films at home where he rarely missed a Yankees game. He liked listening to Country and Hawaiian music and delighted in entertaining us with his harmonica, ukulele and charming singing voice. His lust for the “island life” often landed him back at his home away from home to leisure in crabbing, fishing, canoeing and luaus where there was always room for another plate of crab legs, coconut, lau lau and lilikoi pie. He was a brave Hero to many, but especially to his family for his steadfast support and discipline, his inspiration to strive and excel, and his admiral "aloha" for his country. James was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Dorothy Jo; parents Felicisimo C. Reyes and Angeline F. Erlandiz; stepfather Celedonio "Tony" Erlandiz; brother Tonieng Erlandiz; sisters Patricia Duarte and Carmen "Dolores" Erlandiz, and daughter Debra M. Ivey. He is survived by his daughters Lisa L. Kennedy, Sandra K., and Tracy J., and daughters from a previous marriage, Kathy E. Stacey and Angela J. Goodman, 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was also dearly loved by his siblings, Michael "Sonny" Reyes, August C., Stanley L., and Edward A. Erlandiz, and Myra “Linda” Sakai. Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home-NE. Visitation: Thursday, April 6, 2017- 5-9 p.m. Scripture Service: Friday, April 7, 2017- 1 p.m. Interment: Ft. Bliss National Cemetery- 2 p.m., with Full Military Honors. Please visit online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.