JAMES ANTHONY CIGLAN

James Anthony Ciglan, 77, of Huntington Beach, California, passed away suddenly on November 20, 2025.

Born on June 1, 1948, in the Bronx, New York, James was the beloved son of the late Edward B. and Anna (Prokay) Ciglan. After losing his mother at the age of five, James was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Lukas and Anna (Majoros) Prokay, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. He graduated from North High School in 1966.

In 1967, James enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for four years. During his service, he completed a tour in Vietnam, earning two Overseas Service Bars and achieving the rank of Specialist 4 as a Signals Intelligence Analyst.

A lifelong learner, James pursued studies in computer science, interactive web development, psychology, and photography. His curiosity and dedication to knowledge shaped both his personal and professional life.

James began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1979 as a computer operator during the era of mainframes and minicomputers. Through perseverance and adaptability, he embraced emerging technologies and advanced to the position of Systems Analyst II. After retiring in 2013, James moved from Pomona to Huntington Beach, where he enjoyed a new chapter of life.

In his younger years, James was an avid cyclist. Over time, his interests expanded to photography, gourmet cooking, and even trying his hand at surfing.

James was preceded in death by his brother Edward J. Ciglan and his wife Frances; his devoted sister Nancy (Ciglan) Starner and her husband Albert; and his nephew Matthew Starner.

He is survived by Matthew’s wife, Lisa Starner; niece Erica (Starner) Lewis and her husband Ed; nephew Alexander Starner and his wife Susan; great-nephews Nicholas Starner and Morgan Starner; nephew Karl Starner; and many cousins in the United States and Slovakia.

James will be remembered for his dry humor, sharp intellect, and adventurous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Family and friends are invited to attend a direct burial with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:15 a.m

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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