Jon Itsuo Shimabuku

SFC Jon Itsuo Shimabuku, US Army (Ret.), 69, of Columbia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Born on September 10, 1956, in Pu’unene, Maui, Hawaii, he was the son of the late Zenkichi Shimabuku and late Kiyoshi “Edith” Sato Shimabuku.

Jon was a devoted follower of Christ and a faithful member of King's Cathedral in Maui, Hawaii, as well as a regular attendee of Seacoast Church in Irmo, South Carolina. Though he was not a man of many words, he possessed a gentle spirit and a quiet strength that touched the lives of those around him.

Throughout the years, Jon faithfully served as a Royal Rangers Commander at Trinity Church, King's Cathedral Maui, and Christian Life, where he enjoyed mentoring and encouraging young people in their faith. He had a heart for serving others and a passion for volunteering in children's ministry.

Jon cherished traveling with his beloved wife and found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—working outdoors in the yard, fishing, spending time with family, and talking story with his grandchildren. Known for his funny sense of humor, he was a natural jokester who loved making others laugh. His warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A proud veteran, Jon faithfully answered the call to serve his country, beginning his military career in 1974 and retiring honorably from the US Army in 1994 after 20 years of dedicated and distinguished service. During his military career, he proudly served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. With the unwavering support of his family, Jon's assignments took him around the world, including tours in Korea, Germany, and multiple locations throughout the US.

In recognition of his exemplary service, leadership and commitment to duty, Jon received numerous military honors and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal.

After retiring from the military and relocating to South Carolina, Jon continued his life of service as a Maintenance Technician at Greenbriar Apartments. Otherwise known as "Mr. Jon," he was known for going above and beyond to help residents, always willing to lend a hand, or solve a problem with a caring heart. For Jon, serving others was more than a job—it was a ministry of its own and a reflection of his faith.

Jon served his country, his family, his church, and his community with honor, integrity, and dedication. He leaves behind a legacy of patriotism, faith, selfless service, and love for others. His life was a testament to servant leadership, and he will be deeply missed and remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rhoda Ann Mililani Shimabuku; his daughters, Rhojon Kauola Itsue Shimabuku DelaCruz (Immanuel) of Houston, TX, Wendy Kuulei Sakeo Shimabuku Early (Cy) of Columbia, SC, Torie Uilani Hatsue Shimabuku of Houston, TX, and Amy Haunani Kiyoshi Shimabuku Kamai (Kapena) of Maui, Hawaii; grandchildren, Ivy Mililani DelaCruz Martinez, Christian Kealohakeakui DelaCruz, Evan Ikaika Early, Jacob Kainoa Early, Jon-Thomas Kalanileo Shimabuku, Kapena Kirk Kamai Jr., Keanu Kanani Kamehameha Itsuo Kamai, and Kamy Ann Ka’imilani Itsue Kamai; and great-grandchildren, Mariana Leialoha Martinez.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jon will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia, South Carolina.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A committal service with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or by visiting https://legacy.Wounded Warrior Project/memorials-and-tribute-gifts.