Chul Choon Cha

Dr. Cha was born on January 23, 1936. He had an eventful life; born in China to Korean parents, eventual move with his family back to Korea, escape from North Korea, and service as an aide to a U.S. general during the Korean War. He pursued higher education and earned a medical degree from Seoul National University College of Medicine in 1961. He then emigrated in 1966 with his beautiful bride, Cho Nam Kwon, to complete his internship and medical residency at Charles S. Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, New York. He followed that up with a residency in pediatrics at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, from 1968-1970. In his continued quest for knowledge, he also did a one-year pediatric cardiology fellowship followed by another fellowship in neonatology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon completion of his neonatology fellowship in 1972, he became one of the earliest neonatologists in the U.S. Armed with knowledge and empowered by faith, he moved his family to California to create the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was instrumental in developing one of the largest and most advanced NICU centers in Southern California. He continued his practice in neonatal and pediatric care until his retirement in 2001.

In his personal life, he was the proud father of two daughters, Angela Cha-Kim and Ann Cha. He delighted in being the grandfather to three boys, Jacob, Lucas, and Zachary Kim. He was a sports fan (of almost any California-based team), enjoyed playing golf and tennis, loved classical music, enjoyed traveling, and was active in his church (Loma Linda Korean SDA church). He was a friend to many and built strong, lasting relationships that lasted his lifetime. He will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to help any and all, his constant quest for knowledge and the eagerness to share it, and for his many, many stories which he happily shared.

He is survived by his wife, Cho Nam Cha; his elder daughter, Angie Cha-Kim, her husband, Paul Kim, and three grandsons, Jake, Luke, and Zack; his second daughter, Ann Cha, and her husband, Kristian Bae; and by extended family and many dear friends.

He is now resting in peace until the return of his Christ and Savior. He will be desperately missed, remembered with love, and never forgotten.

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A funeral service for Chul will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Cha family.