KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dr. Tom Kim, the founder of Kim Health Center in Knoxville, originally called Free Medical Clinic of America, died Friday night, the center posted.
Born in North Korea, Kim fled to South Korea before coming to America. In 1993, inspired by his Christian upbringing, he started offering free medical services, the center said. He helped launch multiple free clinics in East Tennessee, including one on Chapman Highway, according to the center. He retired in 2019, and the center was renamed after him in 2023.
Vigil at Sunsphere honors former Knoxville Mayor Randy Tyree; daughter reflects on legacy
“He was, and will remain, an inspiration,” the center said of Kim. “We will miss his visits at the clinic and his stories of his incredible life. We are honored to continue his mission and legacy of service to the community.”
Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett also posted about Kim calling him “an outstanding guy” saying Kim will be rewarded in heaven for all he had done…