Sebastian Soo Hoon Kim

• September 27, 1940 – Born in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, Korea, to the late Elder (Jangno-nim) Hak Won Kim and the late Senior Deaconess (Kwonsa-nim) Duk Kyung Yoon. He was the eldest of four sons and had two older sisters.

• Sebastian’s father, the late Elder Hak Won Kim, was a physician who founded Madonna Hospital in Chungpa-dong, Seoul, where Sebastian spent his childhood and youth.

• 1958 – Graduated from Yongsan Middle and High School.

• 1964 – Graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

• 1964 – Studied at the University of Costa Rica in the Department of Economic Sciences as a scholarship recipient of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea.

• 1966- Immigrated to San Francisco, California to consider further studies

• 1967 – Returned to Korea following the sudden passing of his father.

• 1969 – Married Senior Deaconess (Kwonsa-nim) Young Ok Kim. Together they were blessed with one son and one daughter.

• 1972 – Immigrated with his family to Seattle, Washington, where they made their permanent home.

• 1973 – Began his career as a Counselor with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) at Fircrest School in Seattle.

• 1978 – Partnered with Pastor Jin Hong Kim in founding the Our Village Support Association. As Chairman of the U.S. operations, he faithfully supported missionary work by coordinating outreach efforts, distributing ministry resources, and overseeing the association’s activities.

• 1988 – Earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University in Seattle and was subsequently promoted to School Psychologist at Fircrest School.

• 1992–2007 – Owned and managed a United States Postal Service contract station, serving as Postmaster.

• 2015–2025 – Founded and personally funded the Blue Rock Scholarship Program in partnership with The Korea Times Seattle, providing scholarships each year to five deserving students.

• 2024 - Sebastian suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent life saving brain surgery. Afterwards, he resided in an Adult Family Home for nearly two years.

He is survived by his wife Young Kim, daughter Grace Kim (Michael Mariano, Emmanuella Kim Mariano) and son Warren Kim (Cyrilla Suwarsa). And also by his eldest sister Boo Shin Bang’s family (husband Harry, daughters Margaret and Carolyn), his sister Mikyung Lee (sons Hungyull and Dongyull, twin daughters Jeannie, Sunny), his brother Spencer (late wife Mia, late son James, daughters Eva and Robyn), his brother John (wife Michelle and daughter Kristin), Steve (wife Aesun, daughters Stephanie and Tiffanie).

Throughout the many challenges of immigrant life, Sebastian remained steadfast in his Christian faith. He lived with unwavering conviction, faithfully serving God, his family, and his community with humility, generosity, and perseverance.

True to his character, he departed this life having put his affairs in order and leaving nothing undone. His final days reflected the same faith, peace, and trust in God that had guided him throughout his life. Witnessing his beautiful and faith-filled homegoing brought comfort to his family and transformed their sorrow into gratitude.

He was an avid traveler, enjoyed foreign languages and was fluent in Spanish. He loved world music ranging from popular to classic to opera. Sebastian was a natural musician, self-taught on many instruments such as the accordion, congo drum, and bongos.

While he was often seen as reserved and serious, Sebastian also liked to joke around. Those who knew him well remember his playful sense of humor.

The Kim family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all of our relatives, friends, and loved ones for your prayers, support, and expressions of kindness. Above all, we give thanks to God our Father, whose unfailing love and perfect peace have sustained and comforted us during this time.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, August 8 at 11am at New Song Church (formerly Korean Presbyterian Church of Seattle) in Mountlake Terrace, WA.