David Jino Chae

David, who many knew as Jino, was born in Incheon, South Korea on August 8, 1970. David spent his childhood in Oklahoma and in Germany, where his father was stationed in the US Army. After his father service was complete, they made their way closer to family settled in Portland, Oregon.

Portland is where David started to create lifelong friendships. He also took on the responsibility to care for his grandmother and cousins. There weren’t many people David wouldn’t be friends with. From North Portland to Clackamas, where he graduated in 1988, he lived without judgement and opened his heart to everyone. David had the ability to create friendships everywhere he went, anywhere across the world.

Following in his father’s footsteps, David returned to Oklahoma and trained at Fort Sill to serve his country with honor. As a Forward Observer during Operation Desert Storm, his time was a reflection of his courage, discipline and deep sense of responsibility.

After his military service, he began a successful career in the automotive industry and became a highly respected professional in his field. Most recently, he was the Finance Manager at Ron Tonkin Toyota in Portland, Oregon. He was admired not only for his expertise and integrity but also loved for his spirit and heart. David transformed his professional relationships into personal ones and his loss will be felt throughout the automotive community.

David was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Meeryung, his children, Daniel (13) and Elena (9), his parents, his brother, a large extended family and lifelong friends who will carry forward his memory with love and pride.

A drop-in visitation for David will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025 between 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon.

Services will also take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 as follows:

Visitation from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial, followed by a 1:00 pm funeral at Lincoln before a short vehicle procession to Willamette National Cemetery, where a committal with military honors will take place at 2:30 pm.