Jim Marshman writes:
George Hiromi Funakoshi, age 83, previously of Upper Arlington, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018. George was born in Kailua, Hawaii and grew up in Japan, son of the late Shomasa and Kimi Funakoshi. Also preceded in death by his former wife Patricia Funakoshi, son Eric Funakoshi, and sisters Beatrice Noethlich and Eleanor Smith. George graduated from Hiroshima University where he studied engineering. While there he won a design competition for the first steel bridge built in Hiroshima after WWII. It still stands today. Throughout his career, George was Head of Cardio Perfusion at both OSU Medical Center and Children’s Hospital. In addition, George was on the team who designed and built the first heart and lung machine. He was the head Judo coach at OSU for almost 20 years where he coached champions. He was also a past president of Ohio/Kentucky Judo Yudanshakai before they dissolved the yudanshakai. He became a life member of the USJF on November 5, 1964. George was intelligent, athletic, funny, and made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed running, gardening, and loved to drink beer. He will be greatly missed by his loving daughters, Kimi Marie and Amanda Funakoshi; brother, Thomas Seiji Funakoshi; and other extended family members and dear friends. Family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M. Thursday, August 2, 2018 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.