Raymond W. Kim

A Legacy of Resilience and Inspiration

Raymond W. Kim, a beloved resident of Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on Monday, April 8, 2024. His life was a testament to courage, determination, and unwavering faith. Ray’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of historical events on individual lives.

A Journey Shaped by Adversity

Born in Seoul, Korea, Ray held a significant place in his family as the eldest male among nine siblings. His father, Kim Sang Don, served as Seoul’s first democratically elected mayor, and later a member of the Korean National Assembly. His father was a lifelong staunch proponent to achieve a fair, free and democratic environment, as a brave outspoken critic opposing the Japanese occupation of Korea, and eventually, criticizing oppressive authoritarian regimes such as those of the Rhee Syngman and Park Chun Hee presidencies.

The sudden outbreak of the Korean War overnight, forced the family to abandon their home and possessions in Seoul within minutes, fleeing with only the clothes on their backs, held at gunpoint. Facing the dangers that came with being a political family and as a target for the North Koreans, his father went into hiding, seeking refuge in a neighbor’s attic.

Ray's early experiences of responsibility and resourcefulness not only helped his family survive during a tumultuous period but also shaped his character and future endeavors. At just 13 years old, Ray assumed the responsibility of feeding his family by selling his mother’s baked goods, a skillset that would later in life serve him well. Balancing trays of pastries on a glass window frame attached to his bicycle handlebars, he pedaled through uncertainty, knowing that a fall would mean hunger for his loved ones.

An Immigrant’s Journey to America

Ray’s parents, deeply devout Christians, believed in self-sufficiency and service to others. One by one, they sent their children to the United States to flee war-torn Seoul and for better education and safety. Ray, armed with little more than determination, arrived alone on American shores at the tender age of 14, having crossed the ocean by cargo ship, then to Chicago by propeller plane.

Enrolling at Lake Forest Academy (LFA) in Lake Forest, IL as the first Korean and among the first Asians, Ray found solace in its chapel services while his classmates became lifelong friends, staying up late to help him navigate English and history—the subjects that challenged him most, as he did not speak a word of English. The LFA “family” became his surrogate parents, guiding him through the intricacies of American life.

Academic Achievements and Professional Contributions

Ray’s pursuit of education led him to the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he earned a mechanical engineering degree. His passion for problem-solving and innovation fueled a successful career. Ray’s expertise extended beyond borders, earning him 20 U.S. and international patents, including the patent for the slow-motion feature in movie projectors, revolutionizing the way we experienced cinema, allowing viewers to savor every detail of fast-paced action at the time. Similarly, his contribution to the U.S. military with an electro-mechanical indoor target practice range patent to enhance precision and safety in training environments.

With a relentless work ethic, resilience and perseverance, Ray set his ambition on sales, automobile sales. However, the selling of his mother’s homemade goodies on his bicycle in Korea was not enough to convince Chrysler and Ford he was ready for prime time. He leased a small parcel of land and began selling used cars at night in Chicago after his day job as an engineer. Selling six cars a month quickly turned into 60 cars a month. This time, the car manufacturers came knocking at Ray’s door, resulting in opening one of the Midwest’s first Asian-American dealerships. Back when car dealers were open seven days a week, advertising on WGN Radio’s popular Wally Phillips Show, Ray quickly rose to the top, expanding and selling record volume for some 30 years, mostly in the 80s and 90s pulling in a heavy customer concentration from within the Asian community.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife Kathy of 64 years. He is extraordinary loving father of Victoria Kim (Mark Hersh), Lisa Kim-Casey (Donald E. Casey, Jr.), Jeffrey Kim and Patricia Kim and beloved grandfather of four. Ray was a former resident of Highland Park, Kenilworth and Skokie, IL.

The Funeral Service and Interment was held on Tuesday April 23, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Misericordia Foundation (www.misericordia.com).