John Somchai Himinkool

SAN DIEGO, CA - Dr. John Somchai Himinkool passed away peacefully in his Rancho Bernardo home, surrounded with love from family, on December 12, 2025. He was 82 years old and had lived a life full of adventures and love on three continents.

John was born on April 21,1943 in a river house in Uthai Thani, Thailand. He was the second eldest of ten children. His dad was a fisherman and his mom sold the fresh catch in the market each morning. From a young age, John had an insatiable curiosity and a love of learning. At age 10, he left Uthai Thani for a neighboring town so he could remain in school. He attended a Catholic school in exchange for working and living onsite and eventually entered the seminary.

In the mid 1960s, John was selected as a top scholar from Thailand to study at the Vatican. He studied for two years in Rome where he became immersed in Latin and the Romance languages in addition to Catholicism. John then took his next adventure and a leap of faith and moved to Ohio with his roommate from the Vatican where he lived with a host family and navigated his way through a new country.

Over the next decade, John would go on to learn and earn a BA and an MA in philosophy from Thomas More College and DePaul University, then studied chiropractic at Palmer College in Davenport, IA before going on to practice for almost 40 years. In the midst of those studies, John met the love of his life, Susan, in Chicago. They were champion bowlers in several leagues, ballroom danced, and built community. They moved to San Diego in 1984 where they put down roots. Together they raised three children, ran a thriving Chiropractic clinic and many businesses, and were married for 42 years before Susan’s passing in 2015.

His children often describe John as a Renaissance Man and a lifelong learner and teacher. He learned to speak nine languages and boasted a 2,427 day streak on Duolingo. He was an avid dancer, musician, and performer and in his later years developed a deep love for piano. He also had a deep love for Indian food, telling jokes, photography, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. John was a healer who helped thousands of patients over his career through chiropractic, nutrition, and spiritual work. John had a natural warmth and charisma and made friends readily with his ability to make others feel welcome and at ease. He truly dedicated his life to serving others and in a quest to achieve a healthy and spiritual life.

He is survived by his three children, Ann (Gregory); Mary (Steve); and Joseph (Liesl); his grandchildren Lottie (age 9), Luke (age 9), Elizabeth (age 8), and Stephanie (age 7); his sister-in-law, Bennie; and several siblings, nieces, and nephews in Thailand. John’s curiosity and zest for life have inspired so many. He has touched our hearts in immeasurable ways and we carry his love and curiosity forward in all the days to come.

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If you would like to make a contribution in John’s honor, please consider a donation to an organization of your choice that supports music, dance, or the arts.

If you would like to make a contribution to the family, please Venmo @himinkool (last 4 digits: 4943)