John Felix Obituary

JOHN HENRY FELIX, PH.D. Honoring John Henry Felix, Ph.D. June 14, 1930 - May 5, 2025 HMAA Chairman Emeritus, Internationally Recognized Diplomat, Public Servant, Educator, Author, and Community Leader John Henry Felix, a lifelong resident of Honolulu and distinguished community figure, passed away at the age of 94. He lived a long, remarkable life dedicated to service as a pioneering businessman, politician, internationally recognized volunteer, diplomat, public servant, educator, author, and humanitarian. Born in 1930, John Henry was the first baby delivered at the then-new St. Francis Hospitalan event that marked a relationship that would last a lifetime. He later served on the hospital's Board of Directors, and it was St. Francis Hospice that cared for him at home in his final days. The profound influence of his mother, Melinda Pacheco Felix of Makawao, Maui, shaped the course of John Henry's life, instilling in him a sense of purpose, discipline, and commitment to help others. Under her tutelage, John Henry was reading the Bible by the age of five. Inspired early on by his mother's stories of Dr. Albert Schweitzer's work in Africa, he shaped his life's purpose around service. By third grade, he was already collecting coins for March of Dimes and making Red Cross baskets for children in China. In adulthood, he became a prominent leader in both organizations. As a child of the Great Depression, John Henry displayed a resourceful and entrepreneurial spirit, which came to be hallmarks of his life. As an industrious youth, he collected money for charity, ran two paper routes and hawked Sunday newspapers Downtown. He started a shoe-shining business in Chinatown and even dove for coins in Honolulu Harbor on "Steamer Day." His mother insisted a young boy should not be idle, that he stay busy and earn his own wayan ethic that carried him throughout his life. He joined the Boy Scouts, paid for his own gear, and became an Eagle Scout at 15 with 54 merit badges. He later earned the rare title of Distinguished Eagle Scout. John Henry remained an active leader in Hawai'i's scouting community, chairing fundraising efforts to build a headquarters in Nu?uanu and lodge at Camp Pupukea. Education was another guiding pillar in John Henry's life. An excellent student, he earned two high school diplomas, two Bachelor's degrees, three Master's degrees, and two Doctorates. He taught at his alma maters including St. Louis High School, Menlo College, and Oxford University's Harris Manchester College. More than an academic, John Henry was a life-long learner and treated every service project, every business opportunity, and every experience as a learning experience. After graduating from Menlo College, John Henry was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with valor in the Korean War. He remained in the reserves with the 100th Battalion, 442nd Regiment, and later served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a full Colonel. Advocating for veterans remained a lifelong passion and priority. He led the nationally recognized Jobs for Veterans Task Force under Governors Burns and Ariyoshi. John Henry established his master plan for veterans with help from Senator Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie, and Governors John Waihe?e and Ben Cayetano. His lasting contributions for veterans include: The creation of the Hawai'i State Office of Veterans Affairs The Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center A statewide veterans cemetery system The Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery at Kane?ohe He also donated 35 acres of land and a perpetual easement to the state at Hawaiian Memorial Park, a place of stunning beauty and palpable peacea site he chose to be his eternal resting place. John Henry's pursuits in business and the community were as diverse as they were successful. He played leading roles in an impressive portfolio that included health insurance, hotels, restaurants (including Honolulu's first revolving restaurant, La Ronde), labor unions, law enforcement equipment, engineering, medical and scientific research, cemeteries, and mortuaries. When evaluating a business opportunity, his most important criteria were interest, challenge, and service. He brought guidance and leadership to many organizations, particularly in times of crisis. One of his proudest achievements was his leadership at the Salk Institute in the 1960s. As interim CEO and Board Chair, he helped double the institute's size and positioned it as a global leader in medical and biological research. John Henry was a stalwart of the Hawai'i Republican Party and his public service included roles as Cabinet Officer to Hawai'i's first elected governor, 14 years on the Honolulu City Council, and numerous appointments to commissions and agencies. With his desire to make Hawai'i's voices heard, he was the Founding Chair of Hawai'i Public Radio's Board of Directors. In recognition, a transmitter on Lana?i was named KJHF in his honor. Internationally, John Henry's work with the Red Cross took him across the globe, leading disaster and refugee missions in Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. In remote island regions, where refrigeration was limited, he launched an innovative "Walking Blood Donor Program," registering donors by name and blood type. In recognition of his efforts, the Governor of Guam inducted him to the prestigious Order of the Ancient Chamorro. He was the longest-serving Consul to Portugal, and, for a time, also to Spain, extending his service to global diplomacy. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to name an aspect of civic life in Hawai'i that John Henry's life did not touch. His personal interests included authoring books and learning to fly airplanes. He was able to accomplish so much because of his energy, discipline, unique organizational skills and dedication. At the heart of it all was his purpose in life: "Service Above Self." When once asked whether he wished his plate wasn't always so full, he answered without hesitation: "I hope never." That plate remained full until the very end. John Henry Felix is survived by his beloved wife, Sandrine Belangier; children Melinda DiCiro (Nick), John Morgan Felix, Laura Marie Felix (pre-deceased), Betsy Livingston (Dan); stepchildren Jayne Mordell and Annette Robison; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A once-in-a-generation man, John Henry Felix leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of others. Services will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025 as follows: Memorial Service 10:00 a.m. (Visitation), 11:00 a.m. (Mass) Co-Cathedral of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, 712 N. School Street Celebration of Life 5:00 p.m. Wai?alae Country Club 4997 Kahala Avenue Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation in John Henry's memory to any of the following organizations. Abilities Unlimited at auhawaii.org Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org American Veterans Hawaii at amvetshawaii.org March of Dimes at marchofdimes.org Red Cross at redcross.org Scouting America at scouting.org