James Roland King, age 65, of Marco Island, Florida passed away on July 28, 2012. Born December 28, 1946 to the late Joseph and Viola (Potter) King, Jim was raised in Springfield, MO. As a child Jim enjoyed scouting, football, baseball, and basketball. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1965 and received a degree from SMSU in Business Marketing in 1969. Jim was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He married Karen Wilson on April 28, 1967, they had three beautiful daughters. After graduation, Jim went to work for RJ Reynolds in Kansas City, MO and retired in 1995. While working for RJ Reynolds he and Karen lived in St. Louis, MO, Toledo, OH and Schaumburg, IL. In August of 1969, Jim took a leave of absence from RJR and enlisted in the Marines Corps. After completing Officer Candidate School, he was assigned to the Marines Corps Reserves where he achieved the rank of Captain. Jim and Karen settled in Schaumburg, Illinois and lived there for 17 years, raising their three daughters. After retiring in 1995, Jim divided his time between homes in Golden, CO and Marco Island, FL. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and NASCAR racing as well as attending music festivals with his family. A highlight for Jim and the King family was their annual trip to Telluride, CO to attend the bluegrass festival. Jim was a very charismatic individual who enjoyed capturing an audience and sharing his knowledge through stories. Jim motto was “work hard, play hard”.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Viola King, Springfield, MO. He is survived by his children Jennifer (Jon) Szpiszar, Cedarburg, WI, Julie (Brian) Roach, Castle Rock, CO, Jill (Jeremy) Kirkwood, Henderson, CO, and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, Karen Stokes, Venice, FL; siblings Glenda Jo (Tommy) Pike, Springfield, MO, Jackie (Monica) King, Plano, TX and Debra (Randy) Cox, Nixa, MO; as well as other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm August 4 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be held from 2:00pm – 3:00pm August 4 at Greenlawn North. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.