James Carinio

With deep sorrow, the family of James “Kimo” Carinio announces his peaceful passing on August 8, 2025. He was born on May 27, 1939, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

A proud athlete in his high school years, James answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force, where he became a Military Police officer and trained military working dogs with dedication and skill. He continued his commitment to service as a California Highway Patrol officer, where he served with honor until his retirement. Never one to be idle, James then worked at Dixon High School for 20 years, playfully calling his role part of the “custodial arts.”

In his retirement, he and his beloved wife, Gerri, traveled the country by RV before settling into a peaceful lake life in Seminole County, Oklahoma. There, they enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, but James’s restless spirit eventually led him back to work as the head of security at a local casino for another decade.

James was a man of strong principles, known for his no-nonsense attitude, quick wit, and love of a good practical joke. To his family, he was a coach, a mentor, and a steadfast guide whose work ethic and discipline shaped their lives.

James is survived by his wife, Geraldine Carinio; his siblings, Johanna Major, Carlina Larson, and Earl Carinio; his children, Leilani Kirby (Jim), James Carinio Jr. (Kimberly), Albert Carinio (Jill), and his stepson Patrick Denofrio (Emily). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jennifer and Christina Kirby; Abby, Jordan, James and Aiden Carinio; and Kannon, and Colten Denofrio.

A visitation for James will be held at Phillips Funeral Service, 409 S Wewoka Avenue, Wewoka, OK, on Friday, August 15, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

A funeral service to honor his memory will follow at the same location on Saturday, August 16, at 1:00 PM.

As they say in Hawaii, “A hui hou kākou”—until we meet again. Aloha ‘Oe, James. Your memory will live on in the hearts of your ‘ohana’ and all who were blessed to know you.