James “Jim” Kenneth King, 80, Belle, passed away Friday Nov. 7, 2025 at his residence.
He was born June 20, 1945, to the late James Kenneth and Florence Elizabeth (Hill) King in Stockton, Calif.
He was a 1964 graduate of Warwick Veteran Memorial High School in Warwick, R.I.
Following high school, Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He had been employed at the Arizona Power Company (TG&E) for a number of years when he was younger and then went on to work for the California Department of Corrections at Avenal State Prison for 10 years.
It was during this time that he met Wilma Journagan. They were united in marriage Oct. 12, 1994, in Reno, Nev.
Jim went on to work for the Florida Department of Corrections at the Charlotte Correctional Prison before moving to Louisiana where he and Wilma owned their own businesses. Wilma and Jim moved to the Belle/Owensville area later where they owned and operated the King’s This & That Gift Shop in Owensville for a number of years.
He was a member of the American Legion Post # 0036 in Owensville as well as the Moose Lodge.
Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles when he was younger, watching horror movies and going target shooting. He loved boating, fishing, eating at the Mandarin Garden in Rolla, his Coke Zero and eating ice cream.
He was thoughtful and kind, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with people. He never met a stranger. Most of all, Jim loved the times with his family and will be missed by those that knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by parents, James and Florence.
Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years,Wilma; son, James Kenneth King, Jr. and wife Brandi of Peoria, Ariz.; daughter, Donna Adkins and husband Jemmie of Bland; grandchildren, Darren and Danny Thibodeaux of Louisiana, Connor, Carter, Maddie, Makayla, Joshua, Jordan, Jared and Araiha; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Steven, Ophelia and Lynnleigh; sister, Mary Raleigh of Coventry, R.I.; and many extended family members and friends.
Memorial services are planned for a later date and will be announced by Sassmann’s Chapel.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
