Sukhyun Kim

Sukhyun Kim, age 93, of Novi, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 19, 2024.  He was born on January 22, 1931 in Goheung, South Korea into a rare Christian family and grew up in the nearby port city of Yeosu.  Surviving through some of the most turbulent periods in Korean history (Japanese occupation, WWII, and the Korean War), he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. Following chaplain training at Fort Slocum in New York, USA, he became a chaplain in the ROK (Republic of Korea) Army. He married Jungshill Kim in 1958 with whom he shared more than 65 years of loving life together until her passing in the spring of 2024.

Sukhyun’s career in the ROK army included a tour of duty in Vietnam in the 60s, along with assignments near the DMZ in South Korea.  After completing his military services as a Lt. Colonel, he led his family to immigrate to the US to serve as a pastor in the Korean immigrant community. His pastoral mission proved to be financially challenging, so he took on a second job and worked long hours Monday through Saturday to support the family. He then dedicated every Sunday for church services and related activities in the greater Washington DC area.

Once the children graduated from college and became independent, Sukhyun decided to pursue his own education, earning his Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University in Washington DC at the age of 65.  Upon retirement, he moved to Michigan to be close to his children and dedicated his remaining life to passionately studying the Bible.

Sukhyun was a man of discipline – not surprising given his military background – but also a compassionate servant of God, an intense biblical scholar, and a loving father.  He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes.  Indeed, he lived a full and active life that was as colorful as it was tumultuous.  He is survived by his daughter, Lily Koo; his sons, Paul Kim and John Kim; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10:30 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church, 26550 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Southfield Reformed Presbyterian Church.