Ben Kim, loving father and husband of Jean Kim, is survived by his children, Leah Kim Ward wife of Rob Ward and Jeff Kim husband of Vivian Wu; his granddaughters, Colette Kim and Maia Kim; and grandson, Carson Kim; passed in his sleep on July 22, 2025. 

          Ben was born in Pyongyang, North Korea on March 3, 1937 and fled to Seoul, South Korea on foot with his mother, through rough terrain and thunderstorms, during the Korean War in 1950. His family lived a humble life in Seoul, but Ben knew he had to work hard to make a good life. In 1962, Ben graduated with a Political Science degree from Yonsei University. 

          In 1965, Ben moved to the U.S. in search of a better life. He met his wife Jean, and they were married in Oakland in 1966. They moved Sacramento where Ben pursued another degree. This time, in Electrical Engineering at Sacramento State. Ben graduated in June 1970, on the same day his first child was born.

          After completing his degree at Sac State, Ben worked as an engineer at Memorex in Silicon Valley for four years before recognizing a good opportunity to start his own business in San Francisco. Ben eventually opened three gift stores in Fisherman’s Warf which catered to tourist from around the world.

          The success of his entrepreneurship enabled Ben to move his family into their “dream home” in San Rafael in 1976. His home has beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay in the front. And a lush garden and peaceful lagoon in the back. Ben had achieved the “American Dream” and enjoyed the fruits of his labor living in this home for 50 years until his passing.

          The family will hold a Celebration of Life at their church on August 23.

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