Jong Hye Kim

Jong Hye Kim was born in Daegu, Korea, on January 14, 1938. As he grew, he became quite scholarly and even learned to speak in three different languages. He was fluent in Mandrin, proficient in English, and, of course, spoke in his native tongue, Korean. He studied at Yeongnam University in Korea, where in 1960 he earned his bachelor’s degree. Aspiring for more, he continued his education and eventually graduated with a master’s degree in law in 1967. He married his wife, Kyeong Cha Kim, in 1962. They were married for 53 years. Together they had four beautiful children, Seong Hi, Hyeong Su, Samantha, and Calvin. Through the years, he has been a devoted and loyal husband and father.

Jong Hye later went on to teach in a high school in Seoul, Korea, for 8 years. As a young man, Jong Hye was a visionary and longed for more than what he thought his homeland could offer him. After much contemplation and planning, he took an enormous risk and immigrated, along with his wife and four children to the United States in 1978. Jong Hye dreamed of a more promising future and education for his children and wanted to pursue his own entrepreneurial aspirations. The family first settled in Omaha, Nebraska, but soon Jong Hye would find more promising possibilities on the west coast in Washington State. Jong Hye was a successful small business owner in the Seattle area for many years.

In his spare time, which was very limited, he enjoyed reading, practicing Tai Chi, studying Eastern Philosophy, spending time with his family, running, hiking, playing tennis, camping, boating, and the peacefulness of alone time. Following a debilitating stroke in 2001, Jong Hye’s active lifestyle was significantly altered.

Jong Hye found new joy with the births of his three beautiful grandchildren. His grandchildren, Jack, Lydia, and Ethan, offered him so much love, joy, and laughter when they were in his presence. He loved them dearly.

Jong Hye Kim passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on August 2, 2015. He is survived by his loving wife, Kyeong Cha Kim, his eldest son, Hyeong Su Kim, his daughter, Samantha Morris, and her husband, Michael Morris, his youngest son, Calvin Kim, and his wife, Brenda Kim, his three wonderful grandchildren, Jack Morris, Lydia Kim, and Ethan Morris, as well as his sister, Chung Ja Kropik. He was preceded in death by his father, Mugon Kim, mother, Bunjo Kim, and his beloved and eldest daughter, Seong Hi Kim.