Theodore J. Shin

theodore shin
Theodore J. Shin Obituary

September 12, 1963-June 23, 2019

Theodore (Ted) Jinyoung Shin, aged 55, passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2019 during a family vacation in Athens, Greece. Ted was born in 1963 in Urbana, Illinois to Tai S. Shin and Keun S. Shin who immigrated from South Korea. He was raised by his professor parents along with his younger sister Linda in Illinois and then, in his teenage years, in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in economics in 1986. At William and Mary, he founded the Korean American Student Association and was an active member of the Circle K service organization and the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. He was a banker and then built a successful career in Information Technology, working for companies like Accenture, SAIC, and, finally, as a Senior Quality Manager for Intelligence Projects at Leidos at the time of his passing. He married the love of his life, Jean Lee Shin, in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1996 and they had two beautiful children, Julia and Matthew. The Shins are longtime residents of Reston, Virginia.

Ted was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, friend, colleague and citizen. His bright spirit, hearty laugh, loyalty and generosity were a few of his amazing qualities that made him beloved by those who were lucky enough to know him. Throughout his childhood, he was a patient and always kind brother to his sister. Without fail he defended her against others; spoke for her when she was too shy to speak; allowed her to tag along when unwanted by his friends; and showed endless patience with the spoiled demands and antics of a little sister. Then and now, he was the best older brother a girl could ask for. His joyful spirit made everyone around him laugh. He loved a good joke and often submitted them to the kids’ section of the local newspaper — thrilled when one was actually published. He was a self-proclaimed news reporter, taping endless hours of funny interviews with anyone who happened to be on hand at the moment. He was forever happy, always trying to make others laugh.

Ted was a husband and father extraordinaire. He was his children’s most dedicated supporter and fan. He was an active parent volunteer for both his children’s activities, including supporting his daughter’s competitive figure skating career (even one time breaking his leg trying to skate with her); being a Cub Scout leader; cheering his son’s soccer team; and hauling the sets for his son’s marching band competitions. He was his son’s most faithful tennis partner (including serving as a ball boy during his son’s tennis lessons so his son could spend every minute learning); and his movie-watching buddy (always buying them a big bucket of popcorn). He served for many years as his children’s jungle gym, transport vehicle (with his shoulders and his back being the preferred seats), mashed potatoes cook, griller, and sweets and ice cream supplier. He loved to tease his kids, including hiding their stuffed animals in his shirt until his kids would beg for their release. He took care of his children most mornings, often making his renowned pancakes and scrambled eggs and driving them to school. He organized his family’s vacations and made sure their lives were full of joy. He served as everyone’s personal tech support. He was also very close with his sister and his parents, always trying to make sure their lives were easier. He was his nephew Andrew’s favorite uncle. He happily spoiled his daughter. His sixteen-year-old son described his father as his best friend. He was the type of husband most women dream of having and took care of his wife, his immediate and extended family, not only without complaint, but with complete love and commitment.

Ted was also an avid Cubs fan, member of the Reston tennis team, and always too generous in donating his time and money to good causes. For example, he spent countless weekends donating blood platelets, likely saving more lives than we will ever know.

Ted is survived by his wife Jean Shin, his daughter Julia Shin, and his son Matthew Shin of Reston, Virginia; his parents Tai S. Shin and Keun S. Shin of Haymarket, Virginia (previously of Richmond, Virginia); his sister Linda Oh and her family of New Jersey; and many other relatives in the U.S. and South Korea.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Ted was such a wonderful man. The world is dimmer without his light. I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sadness I am sure is felt by all that had the pleasure of knowing Ted. My deepest condolences.

  2. Dr. and Mrs. Shin, We are so deeply saddened to hear of Ted’s unexpected passing. Ted was genuinely a kind, thoughtful, funny, generous, and giving person. Our hearts ache for this sudden loss, a precious life taken all too soon. But a life which Ted fully lived. My family and I truly feel blessed by his friendship. We shall always remember Ted by his gracious smile and his fun bursts of laughter. May God fill your hearts with peace during this very difficult time. I believe God knows and feels our pain and gives us the strength and grace to bear this loss. We celebrate and honor Ted’s life and all the lives he’s enriched. Our hearts go out to you and Ted’s family. Sending you lots of love and hugs. Warmly, Chisun Chun (Helen Chu’s daughter) chisun.chun@gmail.com

  3. One of the best men I have ever known. I just learned of Ted’s passing yesterday. I mourn, along with his many friends and family. I worked with Ted in Richmond at the bank and he was a truly bright star there. David Clower, Glen Allen, VA


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide