Oct 1, 2018 11:07 AM

John W. Shimkus, M.D., of Southampton died in New York City on September 28, 2018. He was 65.

Dr. Shimkus was born in Chicago on September 16, 1953, to Walter and Evelyn (nee Orel) Shimkus. He was a proud alumnus of the University of Illinois and graduated from Chicago Medical School. His education inspired a long and successful career in medicine as a well-respected orthopedic surgeon.

Although a proud Chicagoan, it was his residency at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn that brought Dr. Shimkus to New York. He met Eileen Larkin, who he married in 1982, while on a general surgery rotation at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Staten Island. They returned to Chicago, reveling in a carefree life as a family was beginning and medical practice just established. Throughout his career, Dr. Shimkus believed that no one should go untreated without insurance, especially children.

In 1987, the family moved to Hammondsport, New York so that Dr. Shimkus could serve as the sole orthopedic surgeon at Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in nearby Bath. The Shimkus family would grow to seven strong while there. In 1996, Dr. Shimkus and his family moved to Southampton, where he would reside and enjoyed the blessings of family, friends, and community.

Dr. Shimkus was on the staff of Brooklyn Hospital, a member of the Medical Society of the State of New York, and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Bath. He also held patents for an X-ray film support and adjustable elastic bandage.

Behind an unassuming exterior was a man of great intellect and integrity with a generous heart who garnered the respect and admiration of those who knew him, survivors said. He possessed a jovial sense of humor and a laugh that filled the house. He relished in a dinner with his family and cooking for them too, enjoyed a spirited game of pinochle or hearts, loved science, and delighted in sharing knowledge, stories, and trivia with his family around the kitchen table. At his core, Dr. Shimkus was a devoted husband, loving father, loyal brother, and dedicated friend, they said.

Over the course of a lifetime, Dr. Shimkus built a family and a life that brought him, and those around him, immense happiness. Dr. Shimkus lived the Hippocratic Oath, emulating its values as a lifelong example to his children. He enjoyed sparring over politics and public policy with his son Eddie, took great interest and pride in his son Matt’s coaching endeavors and fire department service, took joy in discussing earth science with daughter Cari, enjoyed road trips for baseball with son Andrew and delighted in his professional ambitions, and with daughter Victoria, shared a love of medicine, bones, and health. His wife Eileen and the pursuits of his children were the mission, the love, and the joy of his life.

Dr. Shimkus is survived by his wife of 36 years Eileen; his five children Edward, Matthew, Cari, Andrew, and Victoria; his sister, Cheryl Shimkus of Chicago, IL; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Edward J. Larkin, devoted brothers- and sisters-in-law, and was “Uncle Johnny” to numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton on Tuesday, October 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, October 3, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, October 4, at 10 a.m. at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton.