Colonel Paul Minjae Kim

Colonel Paul Minjae Kim was born as the second of four sons on May 5, 1939 in Gakgeh, South Korea, to father Sang Sun Kim and mother Ye Soon Park. He married Anna Yunsook Kim on July 7, 1972. Their three children are Peter (Rachel & Greg Moy, Jane, Caleb), Mary, and John (wife Lois and children Joshua, Selah, Josiah). His first great-granddaughter Ryan is due December 16, 2023. Paul is a third generation Salvationist. His grandfather was the first of the Kim family to accept Jesus Christ, and was involved with The Salvation Army when it began its work in Korea in 1908.

Paul lived a life of service and obedience that was grounded in his love for God’s Word, love for others, an unwavering faith and vibrant prayer in all things and for all people who crossed his path. He was a pioneer of the faith, beginning the Korean work of The Salvation Army in North America in 1980 in Los Angeles, and planting additional corps in Chicago and Detroit. In 1964, after graduating from Choongnam University with a Bachelor’s degree in English, his active officership included:

* July 1, 1971 - Commissioned as a Salvation Army officer as part of the 1969-1971 Victorious session in Korea

* February 1974 - Appointed as Korea Territory liaison/translation officer for the Chief Secretary’s office

* February 1978 - Appointed to School for Officer Training in Korea Territory in the Curriculum Department/Brigade Officer

* November 1980 - Appointed as pioneer officer of the Los Angeles Korean Corps at Congress Hall

* February 1982 - Appointed as the 125th commanding officer of Congress Hall Corps (both English and Korean congregations)

* February 1985 - Appointed as Public Relations Secretary in Korea Territory

* November 1988 - Appointed as pioneer officer of the Chicago Korean Corps (Mayfair Community Church)

* September 1995 - Appointed as pioneer officer of the Detroit Korean Corps

* February 1997 - Appointed as Assistant Principal of Korea Territory’s College for Officer Training

* June 1998 - Appointed as Principal of Korea Territory’s College for Officer Training

* July 2000 - Appointed as Chief Secretary for the Korea Territory

* May 5, 2004 - Retired as Chief Secretary for the Korea Territory

* October 2006-August 2009 (post retirement) - Corps Officer at Green Pastures Corps in Seoul, Korea

As a Victorious follower of God and soldier in The Salvation Army that included 34 years of active officership, Paul lived out what he preached behind the pulpit. His spiritual “mentors” are Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, and General John Larsson. He pursued a holy life and wanted to be like Jesus every moment of every day. He believed in his life verse Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Well done, good and faithful servant Colonel Paul Minjae Kim. Well done.

* A visitation for Paul will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Salvation Army Mayfair Community Church, 5020 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60630.

* A celebration of life service will occur Friday, November 10, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Salvation Army Mayfair Community Church, 5020 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60630.

* A graveside service will occur Monday, November 13, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Glen Oaks Cemetery, 4301 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL 60162.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family via Venmo (@John-Kim-357) or Zelle ([email protected]).

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