Dr. Young S. Kim

Dr. Young S. Kim passed away on May 25, 2025 at the age of 90. Beloved son to the late Kwang Won and Namyee (nee Sohn) Kim.

Young is survived by his loving wife, Kwang Ja (nee Cho) Kim; Children, Margaret Kim (Ali Koluman), Richard Kim, and Carolina Kim (Damon Zucca); Grandchildren, Skyler Kim-Schellinger, Hadrian Kim-Zucca, and Nils Koluman.

He leaves behind a legacy characterized by his remarkable contributions to science and engineering and a deep passion for innovation and technology.

Dr. Kim held several academic appointments from the 1960s onward, including Professor of Chemistry at Duke University and University of Tampa. He later entered the private sector, working for a number of pharmaceutical corporations. His dedication to advancing the fields of pharmaceuticals and engineering underscored his professional journey, however what he loved most was to build and create in his personal workshop. An accomplished inventor, Dr. Kim held patents for an array of products including a chain-less bicycle and mechanisms that improved the electric razor, chainsaw, and syringe. He also notably developed desalination technology in the 1950s which enabled the conversion of salt water into potable water.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Kim cherished the simple joys of life, particularly during tranquil moments spent fishing and gardening. In his earlier years, he was a devoted enthusiast of ham radio which allowed him to connect with others in that community. His interests also included stamp collecting and home improvement. He repaired and made many of the additions to the family home by himself which was something he was very proud of.

Dr. Young S. Kim will be remembered not just as a brilliant mind in the realms of science and engineering, but also as an inquisitive, one-of-a-kind individual who encouraged others to discover and find their own path.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Kim’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation - parkinson.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation – michaeljfox.org would be greatly appreciated.

Services and interment private.