A celebration of life will be held Sunday for James "Jimmy" David Kalili Jr., one of the early University of Hawaii football players to earn All-America honors.
Kalili, who was named a second-team Little All-America guard by the Associated Press in 1970, died Sept. 12 at age 64.
Services are scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday at Kahaluu Beach Park, Kailua-Kona.
Kalili, a graduate of Farrington High, was a three-year letterman at UH (1967 and 1969-70). In 1970 he helped the Rainbows to a 9-2 record, which was the school’s best mark through that time against an all-collegiate schedule.
He was named the team’s most inspirational player and earned second-team AP and Kodak honorable mention honors in 1970. At that time UH competed in the NCAA’s College Division.
"He very seldom said a word, but he led by example," said Larry Price, who helped recruit him to UH. "He always had a quick smile and was a funny guy. You could call him the perfect teammate. People respected him, followed him. Even in later years for alumni functions, when he called, they came."
Price said Kalili was recruited as a linebacker, but his 4.7 speed in the 40-yard dash made him an asset on the offensive line, where he played tackle and later excelled at guard. "He was an exceptional athlete and played volleyball for UH, too," Price said.
Kalili played in the 1971 Hula Bowl and signed a pro contract with the Washington Redskins. He came home to play for The Hawaiians in the World Football League. "I don’t think he really had his heart in being away from Hawaii," Price said. "He was a real local boy."
Kalili is a former Hawaii State Parks and Recreation employee, masonry worker and youth coach.
He is survived by his mother, Mary; sons Kawika Piko-Kalili and Kimo Piko; and daughter Kalei Kalili-Burdman. Also brothers Stephen, Fabian, Sebastian and Jerome Kalili and sister Anela Kalaiwaa and 16 grandchildren.
