Kim’s Personal Background
Kim was raised with strong Midwestern values rooted in family, hard work, and community. After spending her early years in Kansas and Nebraska, she eventually found her home in Pahrump, where she built a life centered around service, resilience, and connection to the people around her. Outside of the courtroom, Kim enjoys supporting local organizations, attending community events, and spending time with family and friends. Her deep appreciation for rural Nevada and the people who call it home continues to shape both her personal life and her commitment to the community.
Kim bought her first home in Pahrump in March 2006 and still owns it. She now resides on 10 acres there, inspired by her passion for old cars and animals.
Kim started visiting Pahrump in the early 1990’s to race at Rupert Bragg-Smith’s track, enjoying various road racing and autocross events. After the track was sold in 2005 and renamed Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, she continued racing both cars and karts at the facility.
Home in Pahrump
In 2009, Kim chose to pursue her passion for classic cars. Among her favorites is a fully restored and repainted 1967 21-window Volkswagen Bus, which is currently awaiting new upholstery before being showcased at car shows and community parades.
Kim also still owns the 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible that her parents purchased brand new — the same vehicle in which she learned to drive. Her appreciation for vintage automobiles extends to a Formula Vee FormCar race car, as well as other classic vehicles, including a 1973 Super Beetle Convertible and a 2002 Porsche Boxster Convertible.
Passion for Classic Cars
Kim is deeply passionate about animal welfare and currently cares for four rescue dogs and one rescue cat. Her oldest dog, Leo, is a trained service animal and will celebrate his 10th birthday in June.
One of Kim’s rescue dogs, Chance, was saved in 2025 from a kill shelter in Hesperia, California by Pat of Never Forgotten Animal Society. At the time of his rescue, Chance was severely emaciated and weighed only 47 pounds. Kim later adopted Chance, and through dedicated care and rehabilitation, he has since reached a healthy weight of 92 pounds.
Today, Chance serves as the official comfort dog for the Fifth Judicial District Court and Drug Court, providing support and companionship to those involved in the court system.
Animal Lover
Kim is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a passion for staying active and enjoying time with friends and family. Her love of cycling is reflected in her collection of road, mountain, gravel, and electric bicycles. She also enjoys participating in ATV poker runs, golfing with friends, boating, wakeboarding, and tubing.
In addition, Kim has a longtime appreciation for flea markets and garage sales. For more than 43 years, she has attended Canton Trade Days in Canton, Texas — widely recognized as the world’s largest flea market.
Outdoor Enthusiast
Kim and her partner, Dave, have been together since 1984, when they met in college. Together, they are also the primary caregivers for Kim's elderly parents, who reside with them and have been married for more than 67 years.
Family
Faith & Community
Kim has always been committed to giving back to her community. While living in Las Vegas, she was an active member of Community Lutheran Church, where she participated in various Bible studies and youth outreach activities. Her volunteer efforts included assisting with Vacation Bible School and helping distribute food and water to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Since 2011, Kim has maintained an active and engaged presence throughout the communities of Nye and Esmeralda Counties. She has participated in and supported numerous organizations and community initiatives, including Rotary, Soroptimists, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Friends of the Belmont Courthouse, the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the Nye Communities Holiday Task Force, the Federation of the Blind, and the Martin Luther King Foundation, among many others.
In addition, Kim regularly attends and supports fundraising events benefiting a variety of charitable causes, including local schools, animal welfare organizations, and programs serving individuals with disabilities.
Her dedication to community service has been recognized through numerous honors and awards. Most recently, Kim was presented with the 2026 Nye Communities Coalition Community Champion Award for making a significant impact on the local community through her volunteerism, leadership, and service to others. She also received a Certificate of Commendation from United States Senator Catherine Cortez Masto in recognition of her dedicated service to the community. Additional honors include the Ms. Senior Golden Years USA Sally La Rocca Courage Award, the Butch Harper Act of Kindness Award, and her selection as the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Nye Communities Coalition Fourth of July Parade.
Kim remains deeply grateful for the people, places, and experiences that have shaped her life and strengthened her commitment to serving her community.
Community Involvement
