Obituary of Jai Kyoung Koh

Dr. Jai Kyoung “Jack” Koh, a professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, skilled and respected clinician and instructor, and beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 85, on 16 June 2021 in Leesburg, Virginia, after a brief and brave struggle with cancer.

Jai Kyoung Koh was born to Byoung Kook Koh and Dong Joo Kim on 21 March 1936 in Seoul, Korea. He married Young Ja Ryu on 22 November 1962 in Seoul Korea. The couple welcomed a son, Han Jong, in 1963, a daughter, Hee Jung in 1965, and a son, Sang Won in 1967.

Jai Kyoung Koh is survived by his wife, Young Ja, his son Han Jong Koh, daughter in law, Catharine Fern Kreutzer, grandchildren Jake Evan WooJin, Anthony HyunJin, and Ellie YoungJin, his daughter HeeJung Koh Wescoat, son in law, Andrew Wescoat, grandchildren Ethan and Noah, and his 2 sisters, Hwa Young Koh and Ju Ja Koh.

He is preceded in death by his parents Byoung Kook Koh and Dong Ju Kim, his stepmother, Han Duk Kim, and his youngest child and son, Sang Won.

Jai Kyoung Koh was born into the many hardships of Japanese imperial rule on 21 March 1936. Although Korea gained independence from Japanese rule in 1945, the Korean peninsula remained in conflict ultimately leading to the Korean War in 1950. He endured the loss of his mother at the start of the Korean War in 1950. As an eighth grader, he helped care for his younger sisters during the conflict.

Jai Koung Koh was accepted into the prestigious Seoul National University in 1955 and graduated with his medical degree in 1961. He met his wife in 1958 and wed in 1962. After obtaining his medical degree he entered an internship and residency programs studying both Dermatology and Dermatopathology, an uncommon and ambitious endeavor. His academic goals were interrupted by his military service where he achieved the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.

After completing his military service in 1965, Dr. Koh applied to and was accepted into the Dermatology and Dermatopathology programs at Mount Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One year later, his wife, son, and newborn daughter joined him in the United States. He excelled and was able to complete his academic and clinical training and pass all his professional board exams one year early.

In 1969, Dr. Koh accepted a position at Howard University in Washington, DC.  He instructed Dermatology and Pathology residents and cared for patients while providing for a family of 5 in Bladensburg. Maryland.

In 1972, Dr. Koh accepted positions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton University Medical Center, and the Omaha Veterans Administration Medical Center where he trained aspiring dermatologists and dermatopathologists, while continuing to care for patients in his clinics.

On 17 August 1978 Dr. Koh and his family proudly became United States citizens.

On 26 February 1988, he lost his younger son, Sang Won Koh, to osteosarcoma.

Dr. Koh was successfully recruited to establish and head the Department of Dermatology at the newly opened Asan Medical Center in 1989. Asan Medical Center is the largest hospital in Korea and by many metrics considered the “best hospital” in Korea. He organized and directed the Department of Dermatology, continued to train residents, collaborated on clinical research, and consulted on difficult clinical cases. He published 146 dermatologic articles in various periodicals during his time at Asan Medical Center.

Dr. Koh was a distinguished member of the American Academy of Dermatologists and the Korean Dermatologic Association.

At the Age of 70, Dr. Koh “retired” to Seoul, Korea in 2011, but was brought out of retirement to organize and direct the Department of Dermatology at Inje University Busan Baik Hospital, in Busan, Korea.  His final retirement became official in 2015, when he moved back to his home in Seoul, Korea.

Dr. Koh and his wife spent longer and longer periods of time in the United States, until finally moving back permanently in 2018 to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

Jai Kyoung Koh is remembered as being kind, caring, and diligent. He was respected by his colleagues and patients and beloved by his trainees, staff, friends, and family. He had a hidden mischievous streak and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh. He enjoyed participating and viewing all sports. He was an accomplished tennis player and golfer. He dabbled in running during the running craze and has been spotted on the softball diamond. He loved attending University of Nebraska Football games and arranged viewing parties in the basement of the family home in Omaha, Nebraska. GBR!

Jai Kyoung loved the outdoors. In his youth he was an avid hiker, skier, and mountain climber. He led his family on unforgettable camping adventures for up to a month at a time exploring most of the National Parks in the Midwest and Rocky Mountains.  He continued to hike and ski when he returned to Korea.

Jai Kyoung and Young Ja were fond of travel exploring many of the iconic sites in Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. He and his wife were devout Christians who missed their church services during the pandemic, and the camaraderie of friends, afterwards. They, however, learned how to access YouTube and never missed a single service.

Jai Kyoung Koh truly lived a full and rich life. The tapestry of his life is dense, complicated, and ornate. He is remembered by the many who have been inspired by his instruction, counsel, and guidance. He is forever beloved by those who were fortunate enough to have participated in his adventures, heard his laughter, and were connected, if even briefly, to his brave, quiet, and kind soul.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, 3 July 2021 at 10 AM at Korean Central Presbyterian Church (KCPC). 15451 Lee Hwy Centreville, VA 20121

In lieu of flowers or donations please keep the memory of Jai Kyoung Koh in your hearts.