James J. Kim

(August 11, 1937 - April 18, 2013)
Service Location: Green Hills Memorial Chapel
Service Date: April 24, 2013 at 11 AM
Resided in Los Angeles, California


James Jaechul Kim of Los Angeles, California, age 75, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 18, 2013, after fighting a year-long battle with lung cancer. He came to trust in God later in life and his faith became a source of comfort and gratitude.

He was born on August 11, 1937, in Seoul, South Korea. Growing up in the wake of the Korean War (1950 - 1953), he lost his father to the war at the age of 13. He worked hard at odd jobs and peddling goods to American soldiers to support his family during and after the war. After the war, he built a thriving used car parts business in Seoul and through his success supported his siblings through high school and college.

He immigrated to Oakland, California, in 1968 to live with his older brother and wife. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1970 to open his first gas station. He worked for over 40 years as a successful business owner of various gas stations and auto garages in Southern California. He later moved to Palos Verdes Estates with his family in 1977 and lived there for over 20 years. He owned the former Riviera Shell Station in Redondo Beach for over 11 years (1986 - 1997). Most recently, he owned Ace Auto Complete in West Los Angeles for over 13 years (1999 - 2012).

He was an avid marathon runner since 1979 and ran the LA Marathon for over 25 years. His personal best time was 2 hours, 50 minutes and 57 seconds (72nd place overall out of 17, 164 runners) which he ran at age of 62. He won his age division multiple times over the past 10 years, including running the marathon in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 34 seconds and coming in 98th place overall at the age of 68. He came within 4 minutes and 32 seconds of breaking the world record for a 68 year-old marathoner.

He loved running along the beach, hiking in the mountains, and watching sports (boxing and basketball). He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen, his children Teresa and John, and grandchildren Madeline and Zachary; he is also survived by his older brother, Jay Kim and his younger sisters, Kyung Bok Kim, Seung Bok Choi and Jung Bok Yoo.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at 11:00 AM in the Green Hills Memorial Park Chapel (27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275) with burial to follow. Condolence cards and messages may be sent to: Helen Kim, 835 S. Wooster Street, #306, Los Angeles, CA 90035.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275