Yong Wha Kim

Yong Wha Kim 김용화, 87, of Wheeling, Illinois, a pioneering figure in the Korean American community, passed away on March 20, 2024, at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. His final days were spent surrounded by loved ones after sustaining serious injuries from a fall.

Kim was born on June 20, 1936, to Chang Heub Kim 김창흡 (father) and Eui Soon Kim 김의순 (mother) in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Korea. In 1954, Kim graduated from Kyunggi High School in Seoul, Korea, and received a scholarship to study in the United States. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Greenville College in Illinois. Kim’s first job was with Gates Rubber Company in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1963, Kim married Jane Young Ja Yoo 유영자 in Cleveland before moving back to Seoul. Returning to Chicago in 1971, Kim launched a decades-long new media career and established himself as a leading figure in the Chicago news media landscape, becoming the Publisher of The Korea Times-Chicago and CEO of Korean Broadcasting Incorporated Radio. The Korea Times-Chicago became the Midwest’s first Korean-language newspaper, serving as a vital source of information and connection for the burgeoning Korean community.

Kim is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; children, Jeffrey and Jeanney; sons-in-law Curtis Chin and James Kim; grandson, Owen Yong Wha Kim; brothers Yong Ik 김용익, Yong Yoon 김용윤, Yong Kyung 김용경; and sisters Jung Min 김정민, Jung Yoon 김정윤, Jung Ju 김정주, and their families.

Funeral Service will be held Sunday, April 7, 2024 3:00 PM at Chicago Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1424 Greenwood Rd, Glenview, IL 60026

하나님의 사랑하는 아들 김용화 집사님께서 2024년 3월 20일 (수요일) 향년87세로 하나님의 부르심을 받으셨습니다

장례예배 FUNERAL SERVICE

일시: 2024년 4월7일(주일) 오후3시

장소: 시카고 언약 장로교회 Chicago Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1424 Greenwood Rd, Glenview, IL 60026

집례: 김윤민 목사님 (시카고 언약 장로교회)

유가족

- 부인: 김영자

- 장남: Jeff Kim

- 장녀: Jeanney Kim

연락처: 쥴리심 장의사

Cell: 847.420-6363

Office: 847.824-5155

The funeral service will be live-streamed beginning at 2:45 pm, Sunday, 4/7/24: https://www.asimplestreaming.com/ywkim/

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