Obituary of James Edward King, Sr.

James “Jim” Edward King, Sr., 89, of Polk County, FL passed away on May 18, 2023. He was born in Auburndale, Florida on September 2, 1933 to Michael and Hazel Stewart King.

Jim spent his professional career in quality control at Tampa Electric Company (TECO) where he eventually retired after nearly 40 years. Jim was also a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in a variety of leadership capacities including: bishop, counselor in the Tampa Florida Stake Presidency, stake patriarch, and sealer in the Orlando Florida Temple. Jim was an avid fisherman, family history researcher, and gardener who loved to help things grow. He also loved to read, and was a popular fixture at the Haines City library. Jim will be remembered as a man of faith whose unparalleled work ethic propelled him to spend his life in the service of others. 

Jim is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Inez Dicks King; their daughter, Linda Sue King Crosby and her husband, Robert of Plant City, FL; their sons, James Edward King, Jr. and his wife, Pam of West Jordan, UT, and Wesley Allen King of Jacksonville, FL; 1 sister, Joyce Fisher, 1 brother, Thomas King, as well as 12 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Rolling Hills Cemetery in Winter Haven, FL on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11am. Mermorial donations may be made in Jim's name to the Haines City Library.