James Francis Ventura's Obituary
James Francis Ventura was born on Kauai on July 20, 1940 and passed away peacefully amongst family on January 7, 2020 at his home in Kailua. He was an adoring husband, dedicated father, and admired friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Teresa Ventura and 5 children Jody, Jimmy, Jeffrey, Jason, and Jonathan, and in-laws Stacy, Suzanne, and Joanne, and 9 grandchildren Kurt, Kristen, Tawny, Siena, Kanoa, Keanu, Pueo, Rylee, and Beau. He also leaves behind his older brother, Mel Ventura.
Jim attended St. Stephen’s Seminary for high school and college. He transferred to Chaminade University and later received a law degree at the University of San Francisco Law School. After practicing 3 years in the US Attorney’s Office, he partnered with Ronald Libkuman in 1968 to help build one of the most prestigious law firms in Hawaii. Jim was a mentor to many lawyers that followed him. He was selected President of the Hawaii State Bar Association in 1981, before retiring early and serving as a part-time Mediator and Arbitrator. Throughout his work and personal life, he exemplified important moral values such as integrity, honesty, and being true to oneself. He showed great devotion to family, work, and God and was a devote Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. John Vianney.
Jim enjoyed playing piano and writing poems. He was active in sports with a special passion for golf and tennis, and he loved his daily swim with friends. He cherished spending time with friends and family traveling the world and on RV drives across the US.
Jim was the ideal husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and he will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at St. John Vianney Church on Saturday January 25 with a visitation at 9:15 and mass at 11:00.
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