Jake James Kim

Rev. Jake James Kim, Senior Pastor at Church of the Valley in Apple Valley, passed away on December 22, 2019, with his wife and family by his side at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, after experiencing an aortic aneurysm on December 9.

Pastor Jake was a blessing to his congregation, his family and friends. His gentleness and example of God’s love and joy will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Yuni Kim, and two sons, Ari (8) and Avi (6); his parents, Soo and Myung Kim; and younger brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Vicki Kim.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, June 22, 1971, Jake along with his parents moved to Los Angeles in 1973 where he grew up enjoying reading, winning talent shows and cycling.

After high school, Jake attended Pomona College where he made lasting friendships while studying and playing rugby. He graduated in 1993 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

In 1998, Jake graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and in 2000 was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbytery of Blackhawk. Jake was passionate about vitalizing congregations to come alive in the love and joy of knowing that God is with and for them. Jake strived to be a pastor who was a catalyst for hope, healing and health in Jesus Christ.

In 2008 Jake and Yuni met on a blind date. Yuni remembers Jake as being funny, cultured, and down to earth. Jake worked tirelessly to prioritize his ministry and life with Yuni and their two boys. Jake was a man who knew and understood that every moment of his life was a blessing to be enjoyed and lived in God’s grace.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2020, at the Church of the Valley in Apple Valley at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ari and Avi Kim’s College Fund, c/o Church of the Valley, 20700 Standing Rock Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92307