Yum Kim

Yum Kim of Wilmington, Delaware, passed peacefully at her home on September 26, 2022 surrounded by love and light, at age 88.
Yum was born in Seoul, Korea and emigrated with her mother and three brothers by ocean liner to the United States during the Korean War at the age of 16. Her family reunited (after a five-year separation) with her father, Rev. Andrew "Chai Kyung" Whang, a broadcast announcer for the Voice of America and pastor, who came to the United States in 1947 for postgraduate studies.
They settled in Brooklyn, New York, among the earliest Korean immigrant families in America, where at 17, Yum enrolled at Erasmus Hall High School. Yum studied home economics and fashion design at Brooklyn College.
After a first date in 1955 watching the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, Yum married her true love Charles Whan Kim in 1957 and raised three children following Charlie's career to Cleveland, OH and Wilmington, DE.
Yum had style! She had flair!
Her dresses were beautiful, many sewn by herself, and she stylishly dressed her family.
Yum's flair for fashion and interior design was a far cry from her tomboy days running relay races with the boys in elementary school. Yum loved all sports, particularly football, and she played golf and tennis throughout her life.
Yum was a gourmet cook!
Yum cooked delicious Korean, American and International dishes she learned from her mother, cookbooks and watching cooking shows. She loved to entertain guests with her elaborate dinners. Her home kitchen was worthy of a Michelin star.
Yum could dance!
She learned Korean traditional dances in Seoul and was an accomplished ballroom dancer with her husband, Charlie. After her beloved Charlie passed in 1995, Yum was blessed with a 2nd love, Dr. Kyu Tai Lee, who became her longtime companion until her death. They continued to dance and play golf across the country.
Yum was a member of the Delaware Korean United Methodist Church, sang in the church choir and participated in Bible study groups.
Yum's life epitomizes, "Living Life to the Fullest." She inherited her father's quick wit, love of music and love for people. She loved her family and friends. She brought joy and laughter to those fortunate to know her. She made you feel special.
Yum was predeceased by her parents, three brothers and by her late husband of 39 years, Dr. Charles W. Kim. Yum's spirit lives in the hearts of her survivors: two daughters Esther Jacoby (husband Dave) of Lancaster, PA and Nancy Kim of Wilmington, DE; a son David (wife Mi Young) of Centreville, VA; six granddaughters Katie, Dani, Annie, Nicole, Christina and Janis; and one great granddaughter Ella. Yum is also survived by her devoted, longtime companion, Dr. Kyu Tai Lee, and a vast array of nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.
The family would like to thank Bayada Hospice for their wonderful services, especially Lucy, Dawn and all the nurses; and her amazing private caregivers: Rose, Maryann, Donna and Gina who provided excellent care for Yum over the past year.
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