The thing I remember most about David is that he always had a smile on his face. Like a big brother, he made a consistent effort to pay attention to others. He did so with a lively spirit of willingness that I always found unique.

We were neighbors (at USNA), which meant we had many opportunities to talk. I always appreciated his curious and practical nature. He often shared little things—tough lessons he learned throughout his life, and things his mother and father have said to him that gave him his strength and courage. 

It showed me that beneath his impressive stature, there was a loving, tender-hearted person who was just as capable of receiving love as he was of giving it.
David had a presence. The very first moment Major Donahoe, the officer rep for the Judo team, saw him, he turned to me and said, “We need that guy on our team.” Sure enough, at the next practice, David was there. Before too long, he managed to convince his younger brother to come as well. He always took care of his own.  

David approached learning with humility and groundedness, embracing the challenge of judo as he had with football. He never gave up. When Kosei Inoue visited USNA, they shared many laughs together, a reflection of how easily David built connections wherever he went.

David lived each day with an open heart, bringing positivity and energy to those around him. He made friends and memories everywhere he went.

David, you left an impression on my heart. While you will be missed, your big brother energy lives on—through me, and through so many others who were lucky to know you.

May God's unchanging love comfort all the family members in this loss. I personally loved seeing David play cello while he was a student at USNA and loved his big smile. We shall see you again one day.

It's truly heartbreaking to write this, but also reminiscing on all our times together brings so many smiles... 

Those first years when you first moved to America when we became like brothers - through all the time we forged our bond in the classrooms, weightrooms, locker rooms, playing poker on dining tables, watching terrible movies - we never stopped laughing. Heavily attributed to you and your light hearted way of tackling life.

Im still struggling to believe that you're not going to pop up on my phone with some football hot take or advice on how to store kimchi. However even all these years later, our inside jokes live on in my world. My wife just say "no, thats bad for you!" When I reached for a chocolate last week.

Going to miss you brother and I just wish we'd had more time together. Rest in peace bro.

My heart is heavy writing this. David was truly one-of-a-kind. His humor, kindness, and his way of making the best out of all situations. He cared so much for everyone around him and touched the lives of so many. If you were having a bad day, David had a way of making it better—whether through a silly joke, a contagious laugh, or one of his legendary bear hugs. He was protective, loyal, and had a unique ability to succeed at anything he set his mind to.

David would probably tell us not to be sad—he always chose to focus on the good. He was one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. But his absence leaves a piece missing. David had a way of making you appreciate the little things—moments with family, laughter with friends, and the beauty in everyday life. He will be deeply missed, yet his inspiration will live on.

Sending love, strength, and endless support to all those blessed enough to call David family.

❤️

I had the privilege and honor to get to know and coach David in high school. I have many happy memories of things David would say on the practice field. The funny thing is when David started playing football in high school he knew very little about the game of football. He was like a kid with a new toy every time he learned a new skill in practice.

I think David made me a better coach, dad, and man having been around him and having his positive attitude rub off on me. The place we dwell here on earth has lost a really special young man.

I love you David and will miss you,
Coach Mike Carter
Allen High School

David had a way of lighting up a room and finding humor in every situation, no matter how tough things got. He had so many talents, athlete, musician, street and book smart… jack of all trades and master of many. 
Sanghee and I will miss you brother. We will always remember our trips together in the summer of 2009.

David 오빠~ You were one of the most fun, loving, and genuine people at school and you made all of our time there so much better.  I'll miss your laugh and being able to talk and catch up about anything.  Thanks for being so welcoming and loving to me and so many others.

David with Soon Carter, his sponsor from the Academy.

David with Rich Carter,  his sponsor at USNA.  He enjoyed playing football so much.

David and Alex with their sponsor parents

I spoke with David about a business transaction and he impressed me with his persistence and drive.  It isn't easy to imagine a man with his vitality and ambition gone.  He served our country honorably and however brief his life, he walked it well and we are diminished by his early parting.

This photo was taken at our daughter’s wedding. David is with my husband at the reception and was seated at the “family” table because we love him like a son, a brother, as well as a friend. Peace be with you, David, and prayers of comfort for your family.

David was one of our son’s best friends. With his sweet, kind and humble personality, he became part of our family.  We will honor his memory with our thoughts of happy times from middle and high school, his achievements  with Texas high school football and the Navy team, his valor in the military and our time together along with our many conversations. May our Creator bless your soul and comfort your family and friends. David, you are loved and will always be remembered.

I had the privilege of knowing David at the Academy and while living with him after graduating, when we were both in Virginia Beach. He was determined, loud, passionate, and one of the most caring people I’ve ever known. He had this way of making every moment bigger, funnier, and more intense-whether it was a deep conversation or just messing around. You always knew when he was in the room.

Even after all these years, I still think of him as a brother. His booming voice, his ridiculous energy, the way he could turn the smallest thing into something unforgettable-I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

It’s hard to believe he’s gone. The world feels quieter without him, but his impact is still here- in all of us lucky enough to have called him a friend.

When I got the message, a big part of my heart was shattered. I wished this was some sort of cruel joke, just like the time you called me on a random day from your work in California, pretending that you were delivering my food and telling me that you were waiting at my doorstep. After the Academy, during and after your faithful service, we often talked to update each other's lives. I am still in disbelief that you are gone. I still feel like you are about to call me and say, "Hyung! You fell for this?! Oh, I've got you good, hyung!!" But all I received was your obituary, confirming that you are not going to call me ever again. Your voice during our call in January is still ringing in my ear, wishing me a happy new year and saying we would see each other soon—not knowing that would be our last conversation. You’re not going to call me to make those silly jokes again. I still remember the moment you came to the Academy like it was yesterday—a giant Asian whose shoulder boards look like miniature version, you greeted me like a mafia boss when I came in late to Honey Pig, and the moment you ran with me at the yard with your damaged knee so you could pass the PRT, and more. Now, these are the memories I will cherish, but without you being here to share and talk about them.  So many regrets are crossing my mind—I should have stopped by when I went to SD for work, and I should have visited you when I told you I was going to Disneyland. Yet, here I am again, not able to be there to say the last goodbye.  This breaks my heart even more. I pray that you are living and laughing in heaven, watching over us to do good things.  You were and you will always be my “big” little brother.  Til Valhalla.

Truly sorry to hear about your loss. It was always a pleasure to cross paths with the bigger Hong in 3rd wing. One of a few classmates who could really lighten the mood merely with his presence.

- Charles Celerier

I’m sure I speak for all the members of 3rd and 4th company when I say that Ji Hun will be missed. I have only fond memories of him during our time at USNA. I’m sorry for your loss and I hope that your family can come together and support each other during this difficult time. 

Amadeo De Luca-Westrate, MD
LCDR, MC, USN

OBITUARY

Ji Hun Hong

January 6, 1988 – February 21, 2025

Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Mortuary & Memorial Park

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