Jonathan M. Church

Jonathan M. Church was a highly decorated combat veteran and avid surfer who passed away peacefully at the age of 77. He had an impressive 26 year military career, rising to the esteemed rank of Command Sergeant Major of the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion.

He loved to surf. He won his age group in the 25th Annual Rincon Classic; C Street Classic; and in the ASP Rabbit Kekai Invitational 2006 Costa.

Jon served the Nation with distinction in and out of uniform. He was the beloved Honorary Command Sergeant Major of the University of California, Santa Barbara Army ROTC. Jon additionally served the community as the Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 and the Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars.

He became a supervisor at the US Postal Service. He devoted significant time to training and mentoring others, leaving a lasting impression on his colleagues.

He fought California wild fires by fearlessly transporting crucial water supplies.

In his personal life, he was married to Wendy Church for 11 Years. They became inseparable. Jon was a treasured member of the Yoon family, Wendy’s own family. He became a father to Gia and Marlin, who cherished and loved him.

The Military Honors and Memorial Service will be July 7, 2023 at 1:00pm, Goleta Cemetery, Goleta, CA 93117 *Please enter at the designated entrance. Following the service at 3:00pm, there will be a reception with food and refreshments in the Santa Barbara Veterans Memorial Building, 112 W Cabrillo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. *There is parking available in the SB Harbor Parking Lot.
In honor of Jon’s passion for surfing, we will have a Paddle-Out at Goleta Beach, Area D on July 16, 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate in Jonathan Church’s name to: UC Santa Barbara, Army ROTC; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1649; or Santa Barbara Military Order of the World Wars