Dr. Samuel Moon Kim

Reverend Dr. Samuel Moon Kim, beloved pastor, theologian, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026. He lived a life marked by deep faith, scholarship, and devotion to both God and family, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations.

Dr. Kim was born in Hae Nam City, South Korea, the fourth oldest of five brothers and two sisters. He was preceded in death by several siblings and is survived by his brother Moses Kim and sister Soo Heng Kim.

In 1954, he married the love of his life, Sung Shim Lee, who preceded him in death. Together, they shared over six decades of marriage, ministry, and family life, raising five children and modeling a home rooted in faith, discipline, and love.

Answering a lifelong calling to ministry, Dr. Kim pursued theological education with great dedication. He attended Chongshin University Seminary, earned his Master of Divinity from Washington Baptist Theological Seminary, and later completed his PhD at Bethany Seminary Graduate School. His pursuit of education reflected not ambition, but a sincere desire to faithfully serve God and His people.

In 1978, Dr. Kim immigrated to the United States to minister to the growing Korean immigrant community. After years of faithful service, he eventually accepted a calling to lead a small congregation, the Korean Church of the Nazarene in Shreveport, Louisiana. There, he faithfully preached and shepherded a growing Korean population for many years. His ministry was marked by steady leadership, traditional worship, and a deep love for Scripture. During this season of life, he found great joy in opening his home to family, hosting holidays filled with laughter, shared meals, and lasting memories. He later returned to Houston, where he spent his remaining years surrounded by family.

Outside the pulpit, Dr. Kim was a quiet intellectual who loved reading books, enjoyed playing ping pong, and had a lifelong affection for animals, caring for many pets throughout his life, from birds to dogs to fish. He also loved to travel and swim, and he cherished the opportunity to explore the world with his family. Together, they traveled extensively to places such as Mexico, Jamaica, and Hawaii, creating treasured memories along the way. Above all, he loved his family deeply and was immensely proud of their accomplishments and the lives they built.

Dr. Kim is survived by his children: Cliff Kim (wife Sally), Sharon Lee (husband Won Jip), Scott Kim (wife Franny), James Kim (wife Hanna), and Michael Kim.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Esther Hana Romer (husband Nick), Lydia Yang (husband Aaron), Tiffany Kim, Mark Kim (wife Lisa), Michael Lee, Daniel Lee, Joshua Kim, Nicole Kim, Sophie Kim, Ashley Kim, Ace Kim, and Axel Kim; and by his great-grandchildren: Dannika, Mattis, Lyla, Lucia, Zoe, and Cooper.

Dr. Kim’s life was one of quiet faithfulness, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to God and family. He lived what he preached and leaves behind a testimony written not only in sermons and scholarship, but in the lives of those he loved and served.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

A visitation will be held on February 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, located at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.

The funeral service will follow on the same day, February 9, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the same location.

The committal will take place on February 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, also located at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077.