Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ferrara Colonial Mortuary - Orange on Nov. 19, 2025.
Woong Kim Obituary Woong Kim, a beacon of selflessness and kindness, left a legacy of love and perseverance when he passed away on April 11, 2025, in Irvine, California. Born in South Korea on June 1, 1965, Woong's journey was one of courage and determination, marked by his unwavering commitment to his family and his craft.
Growing up in South Korea, Woong embraced the value of hard work and education. With dreams larger than the skies, he and his sister embarked on an adventure to the United States at the young age of 23, after years of diligent saving. This bold move was the first step in a life that would be defined by dedication and the pursuit of the American dream.
Woong's passion for craftsmanship led him to become an apprentice cobbler upon his arrival in the United States. Through resilience and mastery of his trade, he eventually took ownership of the shop, carving out a successful career that spanned nearly three decades. His work not only shod the feet of his community but also built a foundation of integrity and excellence that his sons could look up to.
The chapters of Woong's life were rich with love, especially the one that began with Mi Sook Shin. Their love story was nothing short of a fairytale, blossoming from a brief courtship to over 31 years of marriage, filled with shared dreams and mutual admiration. Together, they raised three remarkable sons-Troy along with his wife Jenny, Tommy, and Timothy-instilling in them the values of respect, hard work, and the importance of family.
Woong's days started before the dawn, with moments of solitude, a cup of coffee in hand, and thoughts that embraced the promise of a new day. His love for sports was evident as he cheered for the Anaheim Angels and enjoyed watching soccer, his enthusiasm as palpable as the crunch of ice between his teeth-a quirky habit that brought simple joy to his everyday life.
Music from the 70s was the soundtrack of Woong's life, with melodies from the Beatles, Jackson Five, Carpenters, and Lionel Richie often filling the air. His love for Korean cinema was shared with his beloved wife, as he delighted in downloading movies for her, creating shared moments of laughter and joy.
Woong was a true family man, a pillar of strength and sacrifice. His love for his family was as deep as the ocean, and he went to great lengths to ensure their happiness and well-being. His patience was a testament to his character, his loyalty unwavering, and his love boundless.
He was a man who always saw the best in people, whose trust was as enduring as his spirit. Woong's life was a testament to the power of optimism and the strength of the human heart. He taught us that it's not just about the dreams we chase, but the lives we touch along the way.
To know Woong Kim was to know a man who embodied the very essence of kindness and selflessness. His legacy is not just in the memories he leaves behind, but in the lives he has inspired. Woong's story reminds us that with love, loyalty, and a little bit of early morning coffee, the world is ours to embrace with open arms and a trusting heart.
As we bid farewell to Woong Kim, let us carry forward the light he shone so brightly. Let his journey encourage us to rise before the sun, to love deeply, and to see the goodness in every soul we meet. Woong's memory will continue to motivate and uplift us, for in his story, we find the courage to build our own legacies of love and dedication.
Services
Visitation
Monday
May 5, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Ferrara Colonial Mortuary
351 N. Hewes Street
Orange, CA 92869
Funeral Service
Monday
May 5, 2025
11:00 AM
Ferrara Colonial Mortuary
351 N. Hewes Street
Orange, CA 92869
Refreshments and Light Lunch
Monday
May 5, 2025
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Ferrara Colonial Mortuary
351 N. Hewes Street
Orange, CA 92869
Graveside Services
Monday
May 5, 2025
1:30 PM
El Toro Memorial Park
25751 Trabuco Rd.,
Lake Forest, CA 92630
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