James R. King

A homegoing celebration of the life of James R. King, age 81, of Newark, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 15, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 383 Washington Street, Newark, withRev. Mario R.Williams officiating. Friends may call from 12-1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The family asks that anyone wanting to deliver expressions of sympathy in the way of food to please deliver it to the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Newark on Sunday, August 14, after 2 p.m. Please ask for the room number at the front desk.Jim passed away on Monday, August 8, 2016 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus with his family by his side. He was born October 4, 1934 in Marietta, Ohio to the late Joseph Virgil and Helen Josephine (Curtis) King.Jim was a 1956 graduate of Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. From 1956-63, he worked in Virginia where he helped design the Blue Ridge Parkway. In 1993, Jim retired from the Newark Air Force Base after serving 37 years as a loyal government servant.Jim was a longtime, active member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a trustee, treasurer, nurse and former director of the Chapel Choir. Jim was a former Eagle Scout leader with the Boy Scouts of America and was a volunteer medic for the Madison Township Fire Department. Jim also served on the Board of Directors of Harvest Management. Hewas awardedthe Beacon 360 Award for his service and commitment.Jim was a mentor and was well-loved by everyone he came in contact with. He was always ready to share words of wisdom or a story to those he was around. He enjoyed fishing, working on his land, his animals and teaching. He truly loved his family, wanted the best for each one and instilled to all the value of hard work.He is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Phyllis A. (Miracle) King, whom he married June 13, 1993; daughter Rebecca Valentine (Michael); granddaughters, Sierra Valentine and Kirra Valentine; nieces, Deborah Payton Barnett (Bob), Cheryl Smith (Gerald) and Robin Green; nephews, Brandon Green, Rafael Turner, Centrell Turner, Romell Turner, Rodney Turner (Amanda) and John II Green; and a host of great-nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Franklin.Memorial contributions may be made to the Licking County Humane Society.Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Jim and his family.