Jae J. Koh

Jae J. Koh, M.D., 73, of Urbana, passed away after a battle with lung cancer on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at home, surrounded by friends and family. Born February 25, 1942, in Jeongeup, South Korea, Jae was the oldest son of his late father, Kwang Sup, and mother, Chasuk. He is survived by his wife, Sonia, and his two daughters, Eunice (Mitch) Habermehl and Jane Koh. He is also survived by two beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Michael Habermehl; two brothers, Jaesun and Jaewoo; and four sisters, Ilseon, Ilsim, Ilyoung, and Younja. Jae J. Kohs life was enriched by many extraordinary friendships over the years. He was grateful for Dr. Barry Paxton, Alice Frost, Marcia Brown, Goldie Ellsworth, Lou Lyons, Trisha Foster, Rhonda Heffner, Dale Long, Bryan Thompson and the staff at The Medicine Shoppe, and Dr. Kevin Ahern and the staff at Community Mercy Hospice. He especially wanted to thank his patients for their many prayers and cards during the duration of his illness. Jae graduated from Chonnam University Medical School in Gwangju, South Korea, in 1969. After acting as a medical captain in the Korean army, he received an honorary discharge in 1973, moving to the United States to further develop his skills as a doctor in Philadelphia, PA, and Cleveland, OH, from 1974-1977. He then had a long and fruitful career working with Mercy Memorial Hospital and, in recent years, Vancrest of Urbana. He established his own private practice in 1978, which he maintained until his illness forced him to retire in 2013. Jae was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will be held at Noon on Thursday, April 30, 2015 in St. Mary Catholic Church, 231 Washington Ave., Urbana with Father Tom Espelage, Celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jae to benefit St. Mary Catholic Church or Community Mercy Hospice, 444 W. Harding Road, Springfield, OH 45504. The family is being served by WALTER & SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Urbana. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.