Obituary of Jin Kim

Dr. Jin Bai Kim, 90, of Morgantown, died Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at home with his family. He was born June 23, 1921 in Korea. Dr. Kim received a bachelorâs degree in Mathematics from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea and later a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago, which he attended on a Fulbright Fellowship. He became a faculty member at Yonsei University, becoming Chair of the Mathematics Department. He left that position to pursue a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech, receiving his degree in 1966, supported by his wife Grace, and daughter Theresa. The family moved to Michigan State University for one year before Dr. Kim accepted a faculty position in the Mathematics Department at West Virginia University. He served there from 1967 to 1991, rising to the rank of Professor. Dr. Kim was the author of over 70 published research papers in mathematics.Dr. Kim and his family were active in the local Korean community, hosting students and visiting faculty, and playing a leading role in Mogantownâs Korean church. Dr. Kim enjoyed playing tennis and the game Go. He was a member of the Morgantown Racquet Club and the American Go Association. He was an amateur violin player and collector. His wife passed away in 1987, after more than 40 years of marriage. In 1990 Dr. Kim became a grandfather, and he cherished the several years he was able to spend babysitting his young granddaughter Julie as they played in the park or walked around town. Dr. Kim enjoyed raising vegetables in his garden and later managed to establish a thriving bamboo grove in his back yard. He kept active with exercise, tending to his yard, visiting the WVU library, and stopping by for lunch at local eateries and the Mountainlair. He enjoyed visiting with his daughter and family at their house, and eating the special meals prepared for him by his daughter, just the way he liked them.Dr. Kim is survived by his daughter Theresa Diamond, son-in-law Harvey Diamond, and granddaughter Julie Diamond. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Kim. Friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Friday, February 10, 2012, from 12:00 â" 12:45 PM. A procession will leave from the funeral home immediately thereafter for East Oak Grove Cemetery, where a graveside committal service will be held with Reverend Sung H. Kim officiating.