Born in Korea on Dec. 11, 1932, Rev. James Jungkyu Park embarked on a remarkable life journey, spreading love, hope, and inspiration of Jesus Christ worldwide. He died Oct. 29, 2025, just short of 93 years.
Rev. Park’s studies included law at Central University in Seoul, Korea, and theological studies at Full Gospel Theological Seminary in Anaheim, Calif. (name changed to Bethesda Christian University in 1990).
Upon immigrating to the U.S. in 1973 with his family, he graduated from Young Nak Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Los Angeles, Calif. After his ordination in 1985, he was sent as a missionary to the U.S. Air Base in Misawa, Japan, from 1986 to 1990, working tirelessly with Korean wives of American military personnel. In 1990 he joined the Christian Reformed Church and was sent by the denomination’s World Missions Committee (now part of Resonate Global Mission) to serve Japanese churches in Aomori and Tokyo. He left a lasting impact on the communities he touched.
Following his formal retirement in 1999, Rev. Park continued his missionary work in Europe, pastoring Japanese expat churches until 2014. His devoted legacy of love and service continued to inspire others, even in retirement.
Rev. Park leaves behind his loving wife, Young M. Park, whom he married in 1958, two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren
About the Author
Jonathan Kim is a CRC pastor of Ye-Eun Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, California. He writes news for The Banner and lives in North Hills, California.