Dr. Nak Kwang Shim

Born in Kapsan, North Korea, on February 7, 1935, Nak's early life was defined by challenge. At just 12 years old, he and his family escaped from North Korea to South Korea in 1947, laying the foundation for his personality of grit and determination as he helped rebuild his family’s lives before, during and after the devastation of the Korean War.

Fate intervened when Nak attended his sister's high school graduation in Seoul. Among the many voices, he recognized one from kindergarten in North Korea – the voice of So Ok (Sue) Kim, who would become his beloved wife of 64 years. Their reunion blossomed into a seven-year courtship while Nak completed his medical degree at Yonsei Medical School and orthopedic surgery residency at Severance Hospital. Their partnership, formalized in marriage in 1961, was blessed with four children, and later included 5 cherished grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren who brought Nak and Sue immense joy.

Nak’s early career path led him to America in 1964 to study rehabilitation medicine at the prestigious Rusk Institute in New York City. He completed a second orthopedic residency at New York University to continue practicing as a surgeon in his adopted country. He officially immigrated with his wife and 3 young sons in early 1965, who became US citizens in 1977. Their daughter was proudly born in the USA.

What Nak considered a great honor was the 18 months he spent in Bluefield, West Virginia, where he worked 16-hour days repairing injured coal miners. Those who knew him well understood that this wasn't just work to Nak – it was sacred service to people who reminded him of the hardworking community he'd left behind in Korea.

From 1970 on, Nak built a distinguished medical career, eventually rising to Chief of Staff at Auburn Memorial Hospital in Auburn, New York before retiring in 2000. His patients often spoke of his combination of technical precision and genuine empathy. He was a healer who understood medicine was about treating the person, not just the injury.

Nak and Sue were 50-year residents of Skaneateles, New York. Nak truly enjoyed the beautiful lake views and many rounds of golf and a few hole-in-ones as a long-time member of the Skaneateles Country Club.

Though he carved out time for snow skiing, golf, and travel adventures with Sue, Nak’s entrepreneurial and visionary spirit found its expression in developing a former General Electric retreat into Association Island RV Resort & Marina which opened in 2002 and brings thousands of families each summer to Henderson Harbor and the Thousand Islands Region. He sold Association Island in 2021 and began the retirement phase of his life at age 85.

Since moving to Naples, Florida in 2021, Nak embraced the warmth of the Florida sunshine, the Marbella community in Pelican Bay, the Naples Korean Community Church Congregation, and his long-time friends from his Korean medical school.

Those who knew Dr. Shim will remember his boundless energy, unshakable determination, and passionate approach to everything.

Dr. Shim is lovingly survived by his wife So Ok Shim; children: John (Linda), Steven, Joon (Nicky), Louise (Ron Peltier); grandchildren: Brian (Lilian), Jason (Megan), Daniel, Michelle, Isabella; great grandchildren: Clara, Pierce; a sister Jai Ok Shim; and a host of dear relatives and friends.

Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. on April 5, 2025 at Naples Korean Community Church, 1955 Curling Avenue Naples, FL 34109