Jong Jin

Jong Sik Jin was born November 2, 1934, in Seoul, South Korea, the eldest of four sons. Responsible and studious, he took his duties seriously, but some of his fondest childhood memories were made on the baseball field, playing alongside his teammates. He attended Kyunggi High School, graduating with the class of 1949—the 49ers, with whom he remained close throughout his life.

Jong was a student at Seoul National University when the Korean War began in 1950. After the war, he was among the early Korean students to come to the United States. He arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1953 to attend Georgetown University, then transferred to Kent State, where he graduated in 1957 with a degree in political science. During those years, he worked a variety of summer jobs, including as a busboy at Trader Vic’s and drilling asphalt on construction sites. His first car, a pale green Chevy Impala, took him cross-country to visit friends and sparked his love of road trips.

He continued his studies at NYU, earning a master’s degree in economics and beginning a distinguished career in banking. He worked for Citibank before being named country head and manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia when it opened its first branch in South Korea. He brought diplomacy and determination to his work, helping facilitate government and corporate financing during a period of rapid economic development in South Korea.

Jong’s interests were as varied as his life. He enjoyed debating politics, reading dictionaries, learning to box, and playing doubles tennis with his wife, Yeon. He was an avid golfer and, above all, a perpetually hopeful soul.

A devoted grandfather to ten grandchildren, Jong spent his later years supporting them with compassion and wisdom. James Jong Jin is survived by his beloved wife Susan Yeon Jin, son Michael Jin and daughters Mildred Yi, Charlene Jin Lee, Jessica Pierce, sons-in-law Matthew Yi, James Lee, Curtis Pierce, and grandchildren Andrew Jin, Stella Jin, Danielle Jin, Andie Yi, Christian Yi, Kate Lee, Frances Lee, Harold Lee, Ruby Pierce, and Phoenix Pierce.

Jong Jin, 91, passed away September 27, 2026. He resided in Los Angeles, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, CA.