John died on July 31, 2021 from cancer at age 62. Born in Macao on December 16, 1958, John was adopted at age 2-1/2 by Francis and Ethel Yim of Honolulu. His six older sisters doted on their little brother, although he often complained that he had 7 mothers. He attended St. Louis High School, Class of 1977. At Honolulu Community College, he attained Associate Degrees in Electrical, Liberal Arts, and Industrial Education while participating in Student Government and serving as President of the Senate. After obtaining his Certificate in Electronic Engineering, he worked for Hughes Aircraft Radar Systems in California for a few years, then returned to Hawaii to pursue a teaching degree at the University of Hawaii. He taught at Waipahu, Castle and Farrington High Schools after earning a Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education, with Distinction.John was very generous with his time, skills and materials. He favored anything that involved electrical wires and tools. With his ready smile, cheerful outlook and wry sense of humor, he readily lent a hand to family and friends with home and auto projects and repairs. At Castle High School, he helped promote the robotics and the rifle teams and volunteered for is favorite event, the Thanksgiving Day Imu. His joy was seeing his students learn, try new things and develop life skills. Wanting to uphold his Chinese heritage, he was a member of the See Dai Doo Society where he served many years as Trustee and Chairman.
John is survived by his sisters: Kathy (Cliff) Yee, Norma (James) Acopan, Mary Ann (Dave) Underwood, Carol Ann (Don, deceased) Suppicich, Cousin Bill (Linda) Puleloa; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and sisters, Jeannette (John, deceased) Hanohano and Victoria Robinson.
Services will be on August 21st at St. Stephen's Church, 2747 Pali Hwy. Due to Covid restrictions, Visitations will be from 9 to 10 AM. The link for the livestreamed private Funeral Mass (10:30 AM) is at ssccpali.net.
Arrangements Provided By: DIAMOND HEAD MORTUARY
