Ismael Azarcon Simbulan

Born in Manila, Philippines, Ismael carried with him throughout his life strength, a happy-go-lucky attitude, and deep faith in His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a man of quiet strength, joyful spirit, steady guidance, and unwavering love for his family.

Ismael shared 63 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Corazon Simbulan. They immigrated to America in 1972 to Millington, TN with the support of his cousin, Teodoro Simbulan. They later moved to California with the help of another cousin, Olga Bigcas. Together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and commitment to raising their family the best they could, in pursuit of the American dream.

He graduated from the University of Santo Thomas with a degree in Pharmacy. He worked as a Pharmacist in Guam and later in San Diego, at times working both day and night shifts to support his young family. He retired from the Navy Medical Center San Diego in 2000 to enjoy his grandchildren, scenic drives with his wife, dining out, strolls, and basking in the outdoors under the San Diego sunshine. He played Blackjack with his grandkids (and often won) and liked to watch the News, History Channel, and WW II & Cowboy movies.

He also loved dancing and was a great storyteller, sharing stories about World War II and his hero General MacArthur with his grandkids. When America won the war, he was among the young kids yelling “Victory Joe!” while forming a “V” with their hands. The American soldiers threw Hershey Bars from the tanks, so it became his lifelong favorite chocolate.

His dream vacation was visiting Washington D.C. and the cross-country trip from D.C. to San Diego afterwards. In D.C. he toured the White House, the Capitol, and the Pentagon where he proudly stood by a statue of General Douglas MacArthur.

Ismael is survived by his wife (Corazon) and five children (Sarah-Victoria Jones, Ferdinand Simbulan, Vina-Rosanna Schierbeck, Arleen-Joyce Krstic, and John Simbulan) and their spouses (Jeff Jones, Laura Simbulan, Richard Schierbeck, and Dragan Krstic). He was a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren (Jeffrey Jones, Joshua Jones, Jacob Simbulan, Michael Simbulan, RJ Schierbeck, Christina Schierbeck and Angelina Krstic), who will forever remember their Papa's humor, his cheerful disposition, and his love for them.

Ismael was preceded in death by his beloved parents Simeon and Victoria Simbulan, his brother Rodolfo Simbulan, and his firstborn son Dennis Simbulan, who died shortly after birth. Though he now joins many loved ones with their Heavenly Father, his legacy lives on in the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His presence was a source of joy, laughter and strength, and his memory will continue to guide and inspire those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered for his love of God and country.

You’re now the new Victory Joe in heaven, Papa! Let the party begin!

“Thanks be to God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)