Jon Eicholtz: The Architect Who Built Sheraton Waikiki and a 30-Year Marriage

Introduction: More Than Just a Famous Husband

You know Barbara Eden from “I Dream of Jeannie.” But have you ever wondered about the man beside her for over 30 years?

Jon Eicholtz isn’t just a famous spouse. He’s an architect and real estate developer who built some of the world’s largest structures—including the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, a 1,800-room convention center that redefined hospitality when it opened in 1971.

Jon designed buildings that changed city skylines. He led major construction companies. He created something equally important: a lasting marriage in an industry where relationships rarely survive.

This article covers Jon’s career, his relationship with Barbara Eden, and the legacy he’s still building. Whether you’re curious about architecture, Hollywood love stories, or just good biographies—you’ll find something here.

Early Life and Education—The Kansas Roots

A Boy From Topeka

Jon Truesdale Eicholtz was born on August 22, 1939, in Topeka, Kansas. Nothing about his upbringing suggested he’d one day build hotels in Hawaii or live in Beverly Hills.

But he had the kind of mind that questions how things work. How do you design a building that stands tall and lasts? How do you take raw materials and transform them into something both useful and beautiful? These questions shaped his entire career.

University of Kansas and Architectural Engineering

Jon stayed close to home for college. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1962 with a degree in Architectural Engineering—meaning he learned both the art and science of building. He understood how to make structures look good and how to make sure they wouldn’t collapse.

That foundation mattered. It gave him the skills to manage massive construction projects. Years later, he’d return the favor by investing in the students there.

Building a Legacy—The Career of Jon Eicholtz

After college, Jon moved fast. He didn’t take time finding his footing—he jumped into construction and climbed the ladder quickly.

Making Waves in Hawaii

Jon spent nearly a decade in Hawaii, where his career really accelerated.

Working as a project manager for Swinerton & Walberg, his biggest challenge was building the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. When it opened in 1971, this hotel was the largest convention property in the world. Think 1,800 rooms—essentially a small city under one roof.

A project of that scale comes with massive challenges. Jon and his team used the design-build method: instead of architects designing separately from builders, the teams worked together from day one. This approach saved time and money.

His work was impressive enough that engineering magazines documented it. He’d made a name for himself.

From Hawaii to the Mainland

Back on the mainland, Jon worked on the Commerce Tower in Kansas City—a 30-story skyscraper that still stands in the Missouri skyline.

But he didn’t stay a project manager forever. He became President and CEO of Pacific Construction Company, a major player in the Pacific region. Then he spent eight years with the Pankow organization, working on:

• 10560 Wilshire—a 22-story luxury condominium building in Los Angeles
• Catalina Landing—a major waterfront development in Long Beach

These weren’t small undertakings. They were multimillion-dollar developments that transformed neighborhoods and created homes for hundreds of families.

Starting His Own Firm

Eventually Jon founded JTE Development Corp. The company focused on rehabilitating older commercial properties—buying them, fixing them up, and bringing them back to life. It’s a skill that requires seeing potential where others see decay.

Throughout every role, Jon proved he knew his work inside and out. He didn’t just participate—he led.

The Love Story—How Jon Met Barbara Eden

A Real Estate Introduction

It was 1988. Jon was deep into his real estate career. Barbara Eden was already famous from “I Dream of Jeannie.” A mutual friend in the real estate world thought they’d connect.

They did. Something clicked immediately—not flashy or dramatic, just genuine and solid.

A Wedding in San Francisco

After dating for a few years, they married on January 5, 1991, at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. For both of them, this was their third marriage. Sometimes the third time really is the charm.

Blending Families

Both came with prior lives. Jon had been married twice before; his second wife died of cancer. Barbara had been married to actor Michael Ansara (they had a son, Matthew) and later to Charles Fegert. Jon had a son from his first marriage.

They weren’t just joining as a couple—they were blending families. That’s hard work, but they made it stick.

Today they live in Beverly Hills with Bentley, their Labradoodle. Even in a mansion, there’s a dog wagging its tail.

A Marriage Built to Last—30+ Years Strong

Hollywood marriages rarely make it past a few years. Jon and Barbara have been together for over 30 years. That’s rare.

Best Friends First

Barbara calls Jon her best friend—not just her husband. When you’re actually best friends with someone, you enjoy spending time with them. You laugh. You talk. You support each other without question.

Barbara has also called him her “greatest supporter.” In an industry full of ego and competition, having someone 100% on your side matters enormously.

The Story That Reveals Who He Is

Barbara didn’t fully understand Jon’s character until she heard something from a doctor. Years ago, when Jon’s second wife was dying of cancer, he was there for everything. Not just hospital visits—every moment. He tended to her needs. He was devoted until the end.

When Barbara learned this, it shifted how she saw him. If he could love someone that intensely through sickness and death, that’s who he’d be as a healthy partner. That story confirmed she’d married the right man.

What Actually Works

Barbara says their marriage works because of simple things: compromise, respect, and humor. They genuinely like each other. After 30 years, that matters more than anything.

Giving Back—The Eicholtz-Eden Scholarship

A Substantial Gift to the University of Kansas

Jon and Barbara have built successful careers and comfortable lives. They’ve also decided to share it.

In 2014, they donated $300,000 to the University of Kansas. Why Kansas? Because that’s where Jon got his education and launched his career. He never forgot what the university gave him.

The Jon T. Eicholtz and Barbara Eden Acting Scholarship

Their donation created a full-ride scholarship for acting students pursuing professional careers. It honors both Jon’s connection to the university and Barbara’s acting legacy.

Jon explained why they did it: he wanted to give back to the institution that gave him the foundation for his entire life. That’s it. Simple and meaningful.

This scholarship will fund students for years to come. Long after they’re gone, their names will be attached to young actors chasing their dreams. That’s a real legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jon Eicholtz

Conclusion—The Legacy of Jon Eicholtz

What do we learn from Jon Eicholtz?

You can build a successful career without seeking attention. Jon didn’t chase fame. He did excellent work. He created things that mattered—hotels where people made memories, offices where companies grew, homes where families lived.

Real love exists, even in Hollywood. Jon and Barbara have proven that marriage works when you’re best friends first, when you support each other, when you stay committed through everything.

And giving back matters. Jon hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He’s using his success to help the next generation chase their dreams.

Jon Eicholtz is far more than “Barbara Eden’s husband.” He’s an architect who shaped skylines. A developer who transformed neighborhoods. A philanthropist who opens doors for students. A husband who built one of Hollywood’s most lasting partnerships.

Next time you see Barbara Eden at a red-carpet event, look at the man beside her. That’s Jon. Now you know his story too.