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Jonathan Shimm Obituary
Age 51, of Branford, CT. Beloved husband of Judy (Willingham) Shimm; dear son of Cynia Brown Shimm of Durham NC and the late Melvin Shimm., devoted father of Abe and Alex Shimm, loving brother of David Shimm of Charleston, WV. A graveside funeral will be held at the Grove Street Cemetery, Grove St., New Haven, CT Tuesday at 12 noon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org. THE WELLER FUNERAL HOME, 493 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT (203-624-6912) is in charge of arrangements.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
37 Entries
Anton Germishuizen
January 25, 2024
Jon crossed my mind today. Reason unknown but is resulted in a welcome reflection. He was a devoted partner in practice when we worked together in Pittsburgh prior to his moving to Yale. Fond memories of him, Judy and the boys. Always dapper in his bow ties. Despite the time that has passed it is a lesson to us all, in provoking positive memories and emotions upon remembrance. I sincerely hope Judy and Jon´s boys are doing well and prospering.
Chris Scherer
June 2, 2023
I have thought about Jon for the last 20 years or so - my roommate at George School. After all these years of thinking about you all I can say, on my behalf, and the rest of our friends is that we love and miss you.
Rebecca Newton
February 13, 2020
I'm so late in signing this guest book about Johnny. I looked him up today and found this sad news from many years back. Johnny and I were great pals in 1970 for a time. I remember him as being really fun, kind, witty, smart, and a good soul. He was also accepting because I certainly never fit any norm as a teenager. He understood and liked me, for which I will always be grateful. I'm sorry to hear this news. A Durham teenager from Rogers-Herr Class of '70.
Channing Harris
March 9, 2009
Dear Family of Jon,
I'm sorry my words are coming so late. Wasn't aware of this opportunity until now, 3/9/09. I was a classmate at Hampshire College and was delighted to start getting re-acquainted w/Jon last spring when he came to the area. We had talked a couple times over the years when I had work in PA, but we had a few quite long talks last year, here in New Haven. I'm a landscape architect and have Yale as a client, so we naturally got connected, but I'm also a long time diabetic and so he and I were comparing notes on care. I had given him a lot of references to various doctor's in New Haven; don't know if he'd been able to connect with any of them. He was clearly concerned about his health and got quite emotional about it once with me.
We also talked shop and he was interested to know of other Hampshire grads in design in the area. David Thompson, a local architect, was a common friend. In fact I'm writing a little piece about early days of architecture at Hampshire and have a couple lines about Jon. Am I correct that he went to Penn, and had a friend at Yale Med School Facilities who had been a classmate, Wen Lin?
I remember him as always somewhat serious and very thoughtful about whatever subject was at hand (played up perhaps, by his pipe-smoking when at Hampshire), but he also always had a twinkle in his eye and could see the humor in a situation.
I miss the chance I was looking forward to, of getting to know him better.
Regards,
Channing Harris
[email protected]
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Jon at Alex' bar mitzvah reception
July 16, 2008
Jon examining an old camera Labor Day 2003
July 16, 2008
Jon - New Years 2004
July 16, 2008
Jon at Alex's bar mitzvah
July 16, 2008
Art Flores
July 10, 2008
Thinking of you Judy.
Jon was always there if I needed him; he was a awesome boss. He was terse, dogmatic, socially aware, passionate, environmentally conscience, and a music lover.
John Betty Johnny Caroline Hottinger
July 2, 2008
Judy, Abe, Alex
We are thinking of you Judy and your family during this time of loss. We only very briefly met Jon but know what a loss this is to your and Jon's family. Having such bright and fun children is a great legacy that Jon has left us. God Bless you all.
Abby Jennis
July 2, 2008
Judy, Abe, Alex and the Shimm family: This is a terrible loss. I have always felt a closeness whenever Jon and I spoke--to catch up on our lives and share our thoughts about job, life, family etc. Because of the close relationship between Jon's parents and mine, especially our mothers, our continued friendship meant so much to me. When I spoke to Jon this Spring to congratulate him, he told me about the exciting new job and move and kept me up to date with the rest of the family. I will miss him very much. Please know that I am thinking of all of you.
Marc and Ezra Jampole
July 1, 2008
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sadness.
Bob and Andie Noah
June 30, 2008
Judy,
We were saddened to hear of Jon's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris Burns
June 27, 2008
Jon was a good friend. i celebrate his wit, sarcasm, and compassion. he was as talented with design as he was with communication.
Rick Landesberg
June 26, 2008
Judy,
Please accept my deepest sympathies at the sad time. The last time I saw Jon was in the lobby of the Smithfield Street Garage and enjoyably chatted for a while about his week in North Caroline playing appalachian music. He was an inquisitive, engaging, perceptive man, and a privilege to know.
Gretchen Zetler
June 25, 2008
Dear Judy,
Plesae accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Jon will be greatly missed.
Harry Levine
June 25, 2008
You shared with us:
A deep friendship...
You demonstrated to us :
Acceptance, understanding,co-counseling and guidance...
Our years in Pittsburgh, with our families,
At our homes, in our practice of architecture,
On our hikes, canoe trips, sailboat rides and ski trips...
We would share each other's lives,
Most every Sunday we would walk...
Tell jokes, talk politics, gossip and news.
Pull each other up,
When we were low,
Explain away the frustration and bitterness we'd encounter
Celebrate each other's family and professional triumphs...
You moved to a great job, a great place..., we knew it was the right thing...
We were geographically separate, yet through phone calls and e-mails tried to be
Close.
Buddy, pal, old friend....
Sometimes we know "All is one"
And other times, we are " Burst into a million fragments," and
"Blindsided by the events of the day."
Like Friday when Judy told me you died!
So very sad that your heart...gave out.
We struggle to wrap our understanding around why you are gone,
And make sense of it.
You - who tried so hard to makes thing work,...who
Kept twisting the rubrics cubes.... of family, health, profession,
Friendship, chronic illness..... exercise, diet, and life!
We can't walk, canoe, sail or ski together...
Phone or send humorous e-mails...to each other
Anymore.
But..... you are a vivid presence in my consciousness, embodying
Strength, Guts, Determination!
Fierce, Frank , Emphatic,
A Guy with Soul and Might...!
Jon, thanks for our time together.
You called Thursday morning to shoot the breeze,
I left a message for you Friday morning, before you passed away.
Now humorously and hysterically the question comes to mind,
"Can you hear me now?"
Love to you.....always,
And now especially to .... Judy, Alex and Abe,
Your friends,
Harry Levine & Family
janet slifkin
June 24, 2008
Dear Abe, I was so saddened to read of your dad's passing. I met him several times and found him to be a wonderful, bright and concerned parent. I think of you when ever I see an Aipec ad;after all how many students knew what it was? I hope you are well and enjoying college. Again, my sympathies, Janet Slifkin
Penny Crary
June 24, 2008
Dear Judy,
I was both shocked and saddened to hear about Jonathan's death. You and your family are in my thoughts and have my deepest sympathy.
Wendy Bennett
June 24, 2008
Judy, Abe, Alex
I was casually reading the newspaper just now and was utterly shocked to read about Jon. David and the boys join me in wishing you all strength and comfort during this most stressful time. I really can't believe it, Judy. My heart goes out to you all.
With fondness and love,
Wendy B.
Roberta Mintz Levine
June 24, 2008
Jon and Jazz
Harry and Martha
Don and Ashley
Sunday guys' walk in Frick Park, Pittsburgh
Harriet Fibus
June 24, 2008
I am sending my sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. What a terrible loss for all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
James Cox
June 24, 2008
Judy,
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Please know that all of us at the Counseling Center care about and offer our support. If we can help in any way let me know.
James
Natalie Rosenbloom
June 24, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Jon's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons
Natalie.
Stephen Winikoff
June 24, 2008
It was Jon who interviewed and hired me at Burt Hill in 2000. As a young graduate from Canada, it opened the door to the USA for me... where I have found a life, a wife and a career at Burt Hill. I will be forever grateful for the chance he took on me. Goodbye, Jon.
Doug Blum
June 23, 2008
I hadn't seen Jon for many years; we were friends as boys but eventually lost touch. I still remember him very well as an exceptionally kind and friendly person.
Robert McClintic
June 23, 2008
Dear Judy and Alex and Abe:
Alice and I send our deepest sympathy to you. When I heard that Jon was taking a position at Yale University, I was very happy for him. You will all be in out thoughts and prayers.
Alayne Todd/Leslie Hoffinger
June 23, 2008
We were so sad to hear about Jon's passing.
It's hard to imagine that a person with so much spirit could be gone.
We were lucky to have known him.
One-of-a-kind man that will be missed by all.
Elizabeth/Beth Boyle-Illick
June 23, 2008
Dear Judy and Family,
I met Jon at the George School when he was a sophomore and I was a junior. We were mutual friends of Richard Guttman. I believe it was during those high school years he found out he had junvenile diabetes. He seemed to deal with it so effortlessly and never complained. We were all envious of the "special care packages" his Mother would send. I know now how difficult that must have been as a teenager. He was so brave and amazing. My thoughts are with you.
Best,
Beth Boyle Illick
eve lehman perkins
June 23, 2008
I am writing as one of the lucky ones to have spent recent time with Jon. We spoke Thursday night and he was happy, in love with his new career, his family and his new lifestyle. I am so grateful to have been able to be close to him so recently and I wish Judy, Alex and Abe to know so much of him belonged to you.
eve
Marilyn Gelzhiser
June 23, 2008
To the Shimm Family,
I had the honor of working with Jon at Burt Hill. His kindness was matched only by his talent. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kim Barthelmes
June 23, 2008
Judy, Abe and Alex,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Jon was a good man and will be sadly missed.
Kim
Leigh Freeman Stewart
June 23, 2008
Even though I had not seen Jon for many years, I thought about him recently and even tried to email him about an upcoming reunion in Durham; many of us who hadn't stayed in touch were hoping he might be there. So we were all very saddened to hear the news of his passing. Many condolences to his family.
Michael A Elko Agency
June 23, 2008
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Shimm family - Patty and Mary from Michael A Elko, Agency
Edgar Smith
June 23, 2008
Judy, Abe & Alex - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will miss Jon. Love, Edgar, Marianne, Sam & Julia Smith
Rachel Pavilack
June 23, 2008
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Jon's death. I have fond memories of working with Jon at Burt Hill. Jon and Judy invited Stuart and I to join them one year in their Sukkah at their home. Of course the design was so simple and beautiful. We were guests of the Shimm's at their son's Bar Mitzvah. It was a special affair and I felt touched to be able to join them on such a happy occasion. Jon and I lost touch the last couple of years, but I always think of him with great admiration. Jon will certainly be missed.
Bowtie-Buddies
Eli Kasan
June 23, 2008
Jon was a great man, it is with my greatest difficulty that I say goodbye. I wish Judy and his family strength and peace during this time.
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