MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that members of this Chamber learned of the death of Professor Kwang Chung Kim at the age of sixty-nine; and
WHEREAS, The City Council has been informed of his passing by The Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Prof. Kim was a native of Hamheung, South Hamkyeong Province, born on June 2, 1937. He was the beloved husband of Professor Shin Kim and loving father of Jean Sun and her family; and treasured friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Prof. Kim leaves a legacy of faith, dignity and love; and
WHEREAS, He attended the College of Law at Yonsei University and came to the United States in 1962 to pursue his doctorate degree at Indiana University. Prof. Kim was a pioneer sociologist who focused his research on post-1965 Korean immigration to the United States, teaching at Western Illinois University for three decades until his retirement in 2001. Prof. Kim wrote and edited five books and over 100 academic articles, including Korean Immigrants in America: A Structural Analysis of Ethnic Confinement and Adhesive Adaptation (1984), Koreans in the Hood: Conflict with African Americans (1999), Korean Americans and Their Religions: Pilgrims and Missionaries from a Different Shore (2001), Koreans in the Windy City: 100 Years of Korean Americans in the Chicago Area (2005); and
WHEREAS, Prof. Kim's work often brought him to Chicago, and he became a very active member of the Korean community in the City. He and his wife, Prof. Shin Kim joined many organizations in the area, including Korean American Community Services, where Prof. Kim served as a former board member and vice president, the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, and the senior school of Hebron Presbyterian Church where they both served as Elders; and
WHEREAS, Prof. Kim was a vital member of his community who helped many to understand the socioeconomic and cultural hardship faced by many Korean immigrants in the United States. He touched the lives of all who knew him through his inquisitive spirit and kindness. Prof. Kim will be deeply missed, but the memory of his character, intelligence and passion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago gathered here this fourteenth of December, 2016, do hereby express our sorrow on the death of Professor Kwang Chung Kim and express to his family and friends our deepest sympathy.
Be It Further Resolved, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Professor Kwang Chung Kim as a token of our honor, gratitude, and respect.