James E. King, Sr.

On Monday, January 2, 2023 at 8:16 A.M., James E. King Sr., was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 92. He was at peace when he passed and his last words he spoke were,” he loved his children”. We have lost a wonderful father, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, goddad and leader. James was born in Winter Garden, Florida on November 12,1930, born to the parentage of Joe and Eddie Mae King. James grew up in Winter Garden, with his siblings: Juanita, Charles, Annie Ruth, Billy, Bernice, and Brenda. He was the “King Family Patriarch”. After the passing of his father in 1956, he raised his 3 younger siblings Billy, Bernice and Brenda. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, was the foundation and an integral part of their spiritual upbringing. At a very young age, James accepted Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior. Over a span of 77 years, he was a faithful and loyal member. In 1992, he served as Chairman of Trustees. In 2018, during the Church’s 109th Celebration, James was recognized for having the longest membership. James was married to his late beloved wife Flossie W. King, whom he loved and cherish for 69 years. His wife Flossie went home to be with the Lord on October 28, 2022. They have three surviving children Janet, James and Bruce. They have four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. James attended Jones High School in Orlando, Florida and graduated with the class of 1948. He attended Bethune Cookman College, where he completed two years of studies. He left college to join the Army in 1951 and served for 29 years. During his time in the Armed Service, James served in the Vietnam War and received the “Purple Heart” and the “Bronze Star”. James served his country with honor and pride. He retired as Sergeant Major of the Army, with an honorable discharge on September 1,1979. After retiring from the Military, James secured a career with Great Western Meat Supply as a delivery truck driver for many years. On October 3, 1987 James became a member of the “RAFMAN” (Retired Air Force, Marines, Army and Navy) Club. The members provided scholarships to deserving high school seniors and young adults attending Valencia College. During the year, they also sponsored fundraisers for the community, provided Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the needy, partnered with the City of Orlando for its Annual Christmas Toy Drive, and provided counseling for young black men, in addition to sponsoring annual church programs and giving donations to the church. The RAFMAN are in constant communication with Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Veterans Advisory Committee of Orlando and through that partnership, James received several honorary RAFMAN and Fundraiser of the Year plaques. James found great joy in helping others and his family. Daddy from your loving children and all of our family members, you will be forever missed and our love for you will forever remain in our hearts. Now into the hands of our Lord Jesus together you and mama are. We love you daddy and mama, Janet, James, and Bruce. ❤

Tributes

James E. King, Sr.

November 12, 1930 - January 2, 2023