James Byrer Obituary

JAMES WATSON BYRER James (known as Jim) was born on February 1st, 1936 to parents Paul and Marie Byrer in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jim spent his childhood in Waikiki, Kaimuki, Kailua and Lanikai. He received a scholarship to attend Punahou School from the 8th-12th grades. He excelled in sports and in his Senior year, he and his teammates led the football team to win the ILH Championship, a feat that hadn't been done in 30 years at that time. His success in both academics and sports opened the door for him to attend Stanford University on a Football and Navy scholarship where he would do well in their football program. He was the starting fullback, starting defensive halfback, punter, punt returner and was on the special teams.. It was at Stanford University where he met his future wife, Julie Ellise Chasseur and they were married in 1957. After graduation Jim served his obligatory time in the Navy, where he was stationed in San Diego and then Hawaii over four years. Jim and Julie remained in Hawaii and he began his career working for Dole as a Financial Analyst where his detailed skills were put to good use. He left Dole to run a bakery with two other partners. After years of hard work, the bakery closed and he ended up working for Dillingham Corporation as a Cost Accountant. There, he learned about real estate which led him to work at Hugh Menefee Inc. one of the largest and most successful real estate firms in Hawaii at that time. After much success, in the late 1960's, Jim and a fellow Realtor ventured to open their own Real Estate firm, Halekalani Realty Corp., specializing in condominium development and they did very well. After some time, they were asked to return to Hugh Menefee as partners and Jim became the President. Some of the buildings he was involved in developing and selling throughout his career included Marco Polo, 1717 Ala Wai, Discovery Bay, The Greenview, Four Paddle, 1350 Ala Moana, Kahana Manor, Maui Eldorado and Sugar Beach. Also during his time in real estate, Jim served as President of the Honolulu Board of Realtors in 1979 and Vice President of the Hawaii Association of Realtors also in 1979. Jim and Julie worked hard and played hard. They traveled the world and after 15 years of marriage, in 1972, Jim and Julie started a family and had two sons. In 1981 at 45 years old, Jim retired and dedicated his life to taking care of his mother and raising his two sons, 15 and 13 years old at the time. He coached many of their sports teams and in 1989, he moved the family to California for better sports and academic opportunities. Both sons achieved great success in football, basketball and track. Jim was extremely proud of them and if you met him, you would know that right away. His stories about them could last for days and his love for them met no boundaries. After both sons had left for college by 1993, he and Julie moved back to their home in Maunawili where they would spend many blissful years together. Jim was very detailed and a perfectionist. He put 100% in anything he did and set a high example to those around him. He experienced many things and lived life to the fullest. He achieved great success and worked extremely hard to get it. He was blessed to have a beautiful and brilliant wife who supported him through thick and thin. James Watson Byrer, Sr., age 88 passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024 at his home. Jim was predeceased by his wife Julie, who passed away three years ago in 2021. He is survived by his sons James Byrer Jr. (wife Quynh), Chris Byrer (wife Jan), his sister Mary Lou Adams and 3 grandchildren. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary