Jon Randolph Shimer

Jon Randolph Shimer, 70, of Live Oak and Ft. Pierce, Florida, died September 20, 2006 when his One Design aircraft crashed on landing at Lake Wales, Florida.Born in Corning, New York, Jon graduated from Columbus Academy, and obtained a BS from Ohio State University. He taught high school world history in Maryland, served two years in the military, and joined the National Security Agency, retiring in 1991 after 29 years.Upon retirement, Jon moved to Aero Acres, an aviation oriented community in Ft. Pierce, Florida. He built his home and hangar there, and the One Design (his second homebuilt aircraft). He married Jerri Willems in 1998, in a most memorable wedding held in the Aero Acres hangar. In 2002 Jon and Jerri bought land at The Trails, an aero community near Live Oak. By 2005 Jon had completed the building of a new home and hangar there.Jon had endless talents and energy. He did a full restoration on a 1949 Ford fire engine, built a 1929 Ford antique roadster, helped many neighbors with their aircraft projects, and was working on a classic 1964 Chris Craft, a Shelby Cobra automobile, and the restoration of a Florida Cracker house at the time of death.Jon was an accomplished pilot, flew aerobatics, organized many flying and charity events, and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen and Fort Pierce EAA Chapter. He graced the shower with beautiful baritone arias, and sang with several local church choirs. But Jon will be remembered most for his way of walking into a group of strangers and departing as a friend of all.He is survived by his wife Jerri, two married sons, Jon (and Angie) Shimer, Jr., of Frederick, Maryland and Jamie (and Beth) Shimer, of Annapolis, Maryland, a sister Jill Warrington, of Severna Park, Maryland, a married sister Joan (and Judge Donald) Johnson, a married brother James A. (and Sherry) Shimer of Huntington, West Virginia and Nashville, TN, and three grandchildren. Jon’s father, Johnston Bitler Shimer and mother, Jane Oakley Shimer, predeceased him. Jerri’s children are married, son Michael (and Patti) Willems of Port Orange, Florida, married daughter Alana (and Ron) Bartoe of Port St. Lucie, Florida and son Jason Willems of Stuart, Florida, together with Jerri’s three grandchildren.Friends who wish may contribute to Mustard Seed Ministries, 3130 S. U.S. #1, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982.