Robert (Tess) Kim Cornell Sr

Robert K. Cornell Sr. (Tess Kim) was born on February 13, 1938 in Kyushu, Japan and passed away on July 11, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was one of nine (9) children of parents, Sung Dae Kim and Chai Boon Kim. While in grade school, his family moved from Japan to South Korea. Robert was an avid reader, and history and foreign languages were his favorite subjects. As a teen he joined the Republic of Korea armed forces when he became fluent in multiple languages. He later joined the U.S. Army in 1957 and retired in 1998. With former wife, Choyunn, he had three (3) children, Bob, Helen, and George. Robert proudly served his country and throughout his life he encouraged family, friends, children and grandchildren to do the same. From Massachusetts to New Jersey to W. Germany, he chose to settle in San Diego, California after meeting friends, Jorge (fellow U.S. veteran, originally from Argentina) and Shirleen Zorrilla who would make home nowhere else but by the water. As Jorge had done for him, Robert enjoyed giving tours of breathtaking sights along the coast. Raised and traveled through tumultuous periods and territories, Robert was most grateful to live in the U.S. and enjoyed the freedom that is not available to everyone. He was eager to move family over and facilitated the migration of his mother, six (6) siblings and their families; all families of children and grandchildren whom have grown immensely. He advocated reading and keeping up with current events, and no one was too young to start. Robert last resided in Las Vegas where he enjoyed meeting new friends from all over the globe. Travelling to Las Vegas to visit Grandpa and his 'puppies' were special times. Visiting Las Vegas will never be the same. Robert will be remembered for his tough exterior, love for life and family, compassion, generous spirit, and desire to serve others. Robert was friend, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, great uncle to many and looked forward to reunions. Robert is survived by children, Bob Cornell Jr, Helen Le, and George Cornell, and grandchildren, Joyce Le and Christopher Cornell Le; his chihuahuas, Li'l Joyce, Marley, Brown, and Sandy (Li'l Topher went missing); his sisters, Marilyn Lee and Bang Ja Ko, and brothers, Chang Soo Kim (in S. Korea), Soo Chang Kim, and Chul Soo Kim. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Kap Seng Son, and brothers, Young Soo Kim and Iksoo Kim (S. Korea).



Committal Service

Friday August 3, 2018, 11:15 a.m.

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Dr.

San Diego, CA 92122