It is with deep sadness that we share that Jean Hyo Lee passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife, Soon Ja, and children, Carol, Nancy, Michelle and in spirit, his son, James.

Born in Japan, Jean Hyo grew up in Jinju, South Korea. After studying film with aspirations to be a director, his dream made way for responsibility as he started a career in insurance in his hometown. It is here where he would then meet Soon Ja. She was his greatest love, his true partner in life and best friend. They immigrated to Toronto, Canada with their young daughters in 1976 to seek greater opportunities. They would later welcome the arrival of their son, James. One of the happiest days of his life. Jean Hyo and Soon Ja worked tirelessly, building new dreams together, a successful business and a strong foundation for their children. A leader in the Korean community as Chairman of the Ontario Korean Businessmen's Association, he balanced hard work and a desire to help others with a zest for life.

A generous and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, Jean Hyo lived with laughter, kindness, and a deep passion for life. He was known for his charisma, intellect, ability to inject a sense for fun and humour into daily life. He was an avid baseball fan cheering for the Jays and favorite player Ohtani. He loved to read and was on his IPad daily to keep current on world news and topics on health and wellness. His greatest pride were his children. All of his children felt so loved and cherished. As a grandfather, he found new joy and energy in Julian, Brooke, and Avery.

Jean Hyo led by example, teaching his children the importance of family, hard work, tenacity and the pursuit of dreams. Nature, travel, movies and great food were interests of his which he most enjoyed when sharing with his family. He loved seeing the world with Soon Ja, which he did often with their favourite destinations being Sedona, Banff, Glacier National, Yellowstone, California and Paris. He also demonstrated to his children and grandchildren the power of inner strength and determination as he battled idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for 5 years, especially after the recent heartbreaking loss of his beloved son, James. Jean Hyo leaves behind a legacy of generosity, strength, and love. His memory will live on always with his family who loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.

Jean Hyo is survived by his loving wife, Soon Ja (nee Yu), daughters Carol, Nancy, Michelle (Jaret) and their children Julian and Brooke. He is predeceased by his youngest child and son, James (Sarah) and survived by their daughter, Avery. Jean Hyo was the fourth child of eight children of Yoo-Song (father) and Bun Dal (mother). He is survived by his siblings, Chung Hyo, Soon Ja, Soon Bok, and Hyun Hyo, and their children.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 12-1 p.m., followed by a Chapel Service at 1 p.m. Private family interment at Park Lawn Cemetery.