Jay Kook Yoo

Jay K. Yoo of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away on February 27, 2023, at the age of 76. He was born on October 8, 1946, in Tianjian, China, before his family returned to Korea. Despite poverty and many obstacles (including the Korean War), Jay graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Seoul National University and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Florida. Jay entered the field of computer science in its early stages (e.g., punch cards, room-size computers) and worked on national defense projects for Goodyear and MITRE. Later, he started his own Bible software localization company before retiring to spend time with family, having late night debates with friends, gardening, fixing computers and clocks, and doing puzzles. Most of all, he loved helping others, whether it was taking care of relatives or offering friends support and advice. With his wife of 51 years, Jay visited over 30 national parks across the U.S. He was a long-time member and former elder of Kempsville Presbyterian Church. While he survived near-death experiences eight or nine times, he could not, unfortunately, outlive the extensive injuries resulting from being hit by a car, while crossing the street. He was a leader, as well as a generous, charming, and humorous person – and he will be missed. Jay is survived by his wife Younghee, two daughters (Maria and Jeannie), their spouses, and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his four older siblings (Chison, Chijung, Wheemee, and Chikong), their spouses, and many nephews and nieces. Jay was predeceased by his parents, Sang Gul Yu and Soon Duck Oh, as well as his twin brother Jaechun. The family will host a funeral service on Saturday, March 11, at 11 a.m., with 12 p.m. reception and 2 p.m. inurnment to follow, at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Garden in Norfolk, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Tidewater in Jay’s name.