Junesik Nuri Yong

Junesik Nuri Yong, M.D. March 12, 1929 – December 28, 2021

Junesik Nuri Yong, M.D., 92, died at home on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

He leaves his devoted wife of 59 years, Pat; children Yvonne (Tom), Susan (Chris), Alex (Wendi), Juliet (Shaun) and Jennifer; brothers Harry (Josie), Hasik (Youngsook), Brian (Hea), and Namsik; sister Haesoon (Steve); grandchildren Andrew, Lauren and Jonny; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, he moved to the US in the late 1950’s to complete his residency and enjoyed a long and active career as a psychiatrist, working full time until he was 80. He held many positions over the years, including associate professor at Johns Hopkins and medical director of Frontier Health in Kingsport, TN. He also published various professional books and articles.

A world traveler, Dr. Yong loved people and food of all cultures, as long as it was prepared, as he would say, “authentically.” He lived in Maui for a couple years in his early 80’s, where he enjoyed the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle immensely. He was deeply concerned about the environment and climate change, and the denial thereof. Despite a difficult childhood, he had a wonderful sense of humor and was always intensely curious about the universe and everything within it, leading him ultimately to a deep and comforting faith in God.

Dr. Yong was a passionate golfer after discovering the game in his late 50’s. Subsequently, he could be found on the golf course whenever time and conditions permitted—and often even when they didn’t. He won multiple tournaments and hit four holes in one during his playing years. In addition to golfing, he enjoyed music of all genres and was a gifted singer and ballroom dancer.

Dr. Yong was brilliant, talented, funny, kind and empathetic, and his family will forever cherish his memory and honor his legacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the National Hospice Foundation (https://netforum.nhpco.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=NHPCO&Webcode=GlobalDonate). Details of the memorial service to be announced later.

Frost Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Yong.