Max was born in Seoul, South Korea, on June 8, 1934, to parents Chon Bok Whang and Chong Im Kim. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 and eventually attended the University of California Los Angeles (“UCLA”) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. For over thirty years, Max worked at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (“JPL”) where he worked on numerous projects such as the Mars Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity.
Max will be remembered for his ambition, intelligence, work ethic, liveliness and his big heart. He was grateful for the opportunities America offered him and truly took advantage of all that life had to offer.
Max is survived by his three daughters (Vivian Jordan, Vanessa Mott and Jennifer Martin), their husbands (Wilton Jordan, Brad Mott and Kenny Martin), and seven grandchildren (Wilton Jordan, Clayton Jordan, Hannah Laura Jordan, Spencer Mott, Tyler Mott, Trevor Martin and Addison Martin), as well as his sister (Oonchi Whang Dornseifer) and brothers (Chi So Whang and Chi Young Whang) and their families. Max’s family would also like to recognize nephew Dr. Marcos Gomes, who was like a son to him.
At his request, Max’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California. He remains an inspiration to his family, who loved and adored him.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.16.3