JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The family of the woman who was killed trying to stop shoplifters at the Jacksonville beauty supply store she owned is remembering her as their “peacekeeper and anchor.”
The victim, 64-year-old Ilson Miriam Kim, leaves behind two adult daughters and her husband, who she was married to for 38 years, the family said in a statement.
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The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the thieves stole from the Beauty Max store Kim owned and then ran her over with their car when she was chasing them.
Kim’s family said in their statement that they “don’t know exactly why she decided to confront the shoplifters, but the store had experienced thefts in the recent past. Someone even had the audacity to steal from the store the day after her death.”
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They said her funeral will be held this Sunday in New Jersey.
They also encourage anyone who has any information about Kim’s death to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by family friends to raise funds for funeral expenses. Click here to learn more.
Read the statement from Kim’s family in full below:
“Ilson Miriam Kim, 64, was the owner of Beauty Max beauty supply store for three years.
“Her life was tragically cut short when she confronted shoplifters who had stolen from her store, a business that she worked hard to open and ensure was successful. She was a hardworking entrepreneur who took great pride in her business. She loved her work because of the opportunities it allowed her to provide for her family. She worked alongside her husband for much of her life, but Beauty Max was the first business she independently owned. Her kindness and generosity earned her great respect from her customers and employees who are heartbroken by her death.
“We don’t know exactly why she decided to confront the shoplifters, but the store had experienced thefts in the recent past. Someone even had the audacity to steal from the store the day after her death. Please think about who your actions may harm. This crime had very real consequences.
“We encourage anyone who has information about the crime to speak with law enforcement. Crimestoppers has offered a $3,000.00 reward for any tips that lead to the arrest of the perpetrators who are responsible for Ilson’s death.
“Ilson’s shoes can’t be filled. The family is in shock over her senseless and tragic loss. We lost our family’s peacekeeper and anchor.
“Ilson was married to her husband Chuil Kim for 38 years. She leaves behind two adult daughters who were her pride and joy. She was the middle child of five siblings, lived selflessly for others and was the person family members came to for advice. She left Korea in 1986 and took a leap of faith and immigrated to the United States hoping for better opportunities.
“Everything she accomplished in her life was through sheer grit and determination. Though she was at times hesitant, she didn’t want fear to conquer her. She was in her 60s when she learned how to swim and had taken up Zumba to get in better health. Her children will forever cherish the experiences they shared travelling the world with their mother. She was incredibly hardworking, but wanted to experience all life had to offer. The joy and love she brought to everyone will be missed immensely.
“Funeral services are being held Dec. 15 in Marlton, New Jersey”
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