06/02/2026
Jay J Shim
Jay Jae-Rock Shim, 87, of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2026, at home as he wished, after spending his final days surrounded by those who cared deeply for him.
Born on April 6, 1939, in Gongju, South Korea, Jay lived a life marked by faith, perseverance, service, and devotion to family. He proudly served the Korean military and pursued higher education at Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions, where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Political Science.
In 1967, Jay came to the United States through a Peace Corps educational initiative, teaching the Korean language in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he later continued his education at The New School in New York City, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Political Science.
Jay was a man of faith, honor, intelligence, and action. He possessed a remarkable ability to solve problems, repair what was broken, and tackle challenges that others might have found impossible. Resourceful, capable, and determined, he approached life with perseverance, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to those he loved.
Faith, discipline, and family were the cornerstones of Jay’s life. Since high school, his days began with early morning prayer. For decades, his daily routine included attending 6 a.m. church prayer meetings, followed by nine holes of golf before heading to work. At the end of the day, he returned home to spend time with his family. He maintained this disciplined routine well into his 80s, reflecting the values that guided him throughout his life.
A successful businessman, gifted handyman, and accomplished golfer, Jay took great pride in everything he pursued. His skill, discipline, and dedication earned the respect and admiration of fellow golfers, and some of his happiest moments were spent on the golf course.
Jay also loved to travel and explore. Earlier in life, he enjoyed traveling with his children in an RV. During the pandemic, he once again put his skills to work by transforming a minivan into a custom travel vehicle complete with a bed, sink and running water, reflecting both his creativity and adventurous spirit.
Above all, Jay was devoted to his family. He loved deeply and expressed that love in his own unique ways. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, stepfather, father-in-law, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, and friend.
A faithful follower of Christ, Jay was a devoted member of Korean Community Church since 1982. His faith guided him throughout his life and remained a source of strength until the very end. He also maintained lifelong friendships and connections with fellow alumni of Yong San High School and Yonsei University, relationships he faithfully nurtured throughout his life.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, father Gun Sub Shim and mother Keel Seoung Yoon; his first wife, Helen Shim; his stepson, David Park; and his dogs, Kaiya and Deanna.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Jennifer Kim Shim; his children, Julie Shim, Eddie Shim and his wife, Judite Shim, and Jenny Shim and her husband, David Choi; his cherished grandchildren, Roman Shim, Olivia Choi, and Grayson Choi; his stepdaughter, Susanna Park; his beloved dog, Talullah; his sister in South Korea; and nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, church members, classmates, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Jay fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. He will be remembered for his intelligence, faith, loyalty, generosity, perseverance, devotion to family, love of learning, and willingness to help others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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