During the last months of Jon’s life, he often jet skied the coast to photograph dolphin pods. Jon felt a connection with these magnificent animals and truly felt at home with them in the ocean.

Jon had a deep respect for the ocean’s power and the life she bears; this is evident through his enchanting works of art. His passion for Nature’s awesome power was cultivated from within and he was drawn to the energy of the liquid world. Through his images, Jon has touched others by allowing them to appreciate his images as aesthetic pieces of art and has also challenged us to draw parallels of what these images may represent in our own lives.

The son of a Navy man, it was inevitable that Jon’s home would be the ocean as he drifted from Hawai‘i, The Philippine Islands, Spain, Japan and back again to the shores of Hawai‘i. Living in different regions, Jon learned that although the people and the culture may change, God, the ocean and strong family relationships can remain a constant.

“After years of searching, I have finally discovered my own identity and uncovered unique cultures and imagery that were always present… earlier, I just couldn’t see them,” Jon once revealed.

On February 9, 2005, Jon died while shooting underwater images at Pipeline, O‘ahu. Jon’s quest to share positive, visual messages to the world continues through his artwork. His images represents his life-long learning of respect, humility and appreciation that his family, the ocean and God bestowed on him.