Jonathan Machieng Tun

Obituary and Tribute: Honorable Jonathan Machieng Tun

October 15, 1965 – September 12, 2025

With profound sadness, the people of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia mark the passing of the Honorable Jonathan Machieng Tun, who departed this life on September 12, 2025 at the age of 59 at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Born on October 15, 1965 in Yap, Micronesia, he devoted his life to the pursuit of justice, the education of future generations, and the advancement of his beloved State of Yap.

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Machieng Tun was born the eldest son of Petrus Tun, who served as Governor of Yap, the first Vice President of the FSM, and Senator of the Congress of Micronesia, and his wife Carmen Mutnguy Tun, esteemed Yapese educator, historian, and women's advocate; and he was lovingly adopted by his paternal uncle the distinguished Andrew Gilgaayan of Wanyan, Gagil and his gracious wife Florentina Ligorad of Choqol, Maap.

He attended St. Mary's School in Yap and Xavier High School in Chuuk, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to learning and public service. He pursued higher education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and continued professional and academic training through the Yap State Bar Trial Counselors Program and academic work at the University of California – Chico.

Career in Education and Law

Jonathan Tun's career encompassed multiple roles across education, advocacy, prosecution, and the judiciary. In his earlier years, he served as a classroom teacher at St. Mary School, where he taught and mentored many youth-now present-day contributing citizens of Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia.

He later transitioned to legal service, holding multiple positions across the Yap State Office of the Attorney General and the FSM Office of Public Defender: Investigator, Misdemeanor Prosecutor, Public Defender representative, Assistant Litigator, Chief Litigator, and eventually Acting Attorney General of Yap. He was confirmed by the Yap State Legislature to the post of Attorney General in 2013, under Resolution No. 8-104.

On January 29, 2019, he was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the State Court of Yap, taking the oath of office and stepping into the judiciary in a new chapter of his service. As Associate Justice, he presided over significant and often challenging cases. Over his tenure on the bench, Jonathan Machieng Tun earned a reputation for fairness, legal acumen, and steadfast dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Personal Life and Family

Jonathan Tun was a devoted husband and father, and is survived by his wife Teresa Fagaltinan, and their children, Joshua Terence LibyanFinelab and Jenesha Lee Ligorad. He is also survived by his siblings, Daniel Ruegrong, Thomas Gilwuyoch, Tresa Tidad, Charlie Gilgaayan, Joseph Choorang, and David Manpig, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents by birth and adoption, his sisters Helen Tinan, Rosa Rungun, and Petra Fattinan Giltinngig.

Legacy and Passing

In recognition of his many years of service, the Acting Governor of Yap State, the Honorable Francis Itimai, issued Proclamation No. 2025-08, directing that the Yap State flag be flown at half-mast for three consecutive days starting with his arrival in Yap on October 8, 2025. Jonathan Machieng Tun's passing represents a profound loss to his family, his colleagues in the judiciary and government of Yap, and to his church and community of Saint Joseph Catholic Church of Gagil Municipality, Yap State. His life's work-across classrooms, courtrooms, and church catechesis classes-reflected an unwavering commitment to serving others. He will be deeply missed, yet his contributions will endure in the institutions and people he served and the lives he touched.