11/27/2025
OBITUARY: Jim King
With hearts overflowing with love, pride, and deep gratitude for a life so beautifully and faithfully lived, the family of Jim King announces his peaceful passing on November 26, 2025. To know Jim was to know kindness itself. He was a devoted companion, a proud father, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man whose unwavering faith steadied him through every season of life. Jim touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and unmistakable laughter. Though no longer seen, his presence remains everlasting in the hearts of all who loved him. He lived by a simple truth he shared often and lived always: “Do good and good will follow; do bad and you will be sad.” Those words became a guiding light for generations — not only for his family, but for everyone blessed by his example.
Born on August 21, 1946, Jim grew up with the values that would shape both his character and his legacy: hard work, honesty, humility, and compassion. As a young boy, he worked alongside his parents and siblings farming, where he came to understand the meaning of effort and integrity — lessons reinforced by his mother’s steady encouragement: “Come on kids, the harder we work, the more we will have.” These simple truths became the foundation of his life. Through the years, he worked in road construction, at the cotton mill, and at Reliable Sheet Metal before building a successful trucking business of his own. Every mile of that journey reflected his determination, grit, and unshakable work ethic. When that chapter closed, he continued his lifelong commitment to service as a Holmes County Commissioner, fulfilling his duties with fairness, integrity, and a genuine heart for the people he represented. Whether sitting in a meeting room or leaning against a porch railing swapping stories, Jim treated everyone with the same respect. He truly never met a stranger.
In retirement, Jim embraced his greatest joy — his family. His beloved lady friend, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the treasures of his heart and the reason he greeted each day with purpose. His happiest moments were often the simplest ones: cheering from the bleachers at every game, spending quiet mornings with a fishing pole along the Choctawhatchee River or sculling across his favorite lakes, walking the woods on crisp hunting mornings, or searching for the perfect Christmas tree with his children. The outdoors was his sanctuary — the place he felt closest to God — and sharing those moments with the people he loved made them sacred.
Jim had a rare and beautiful gift: the ability to make people feel truly seen, valued, and loved. He was the first to lend a hand, the first to encourage, and the last to ever ask for anything in return. His heart was big enough for everyone who crossed his path. He carried a calming presence that could steady even the hardest moments, and a laugh that could brighten the darkest ones. He found comfort in gospel music and the familiar hymns that echoed his steadfast faith — a faith he lived not loudly, but quietly and consistently, through the kindness he showed others.
Those who knew Jim will forever remember his gentle spirit, his good humor, and the simple yet powerful truths by which he lived: work hard, love deeply, and always help when you can. He was deeply proud of the life he built and the family he raised, and his love will continue to guide them — and future generations — long after his earthly journey has ended.
Jim’s life was a profound blessing to all who knew him. Though his passing leaves an ache that words cannot fully mend, there is comfort in knowing he is home — at peace, wrapped in the eternal love of his Savior, and joyfully reunited with those who went before him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vassie Justice King; his brothers Bob King, Ronnie King, and Dan King; his sisters Evangeline Elrod and Shirley King; his precious great-granddaughters Hayden and Harper, who surely ran to greet their Papa with open arms in Heaven; and David Hanes.
He is survived by his three children, Malisa Yates (Richard), Michelle Harris (Shawn), and Jimmy King (Bryan); his loving lady friend of 33 years Evie Hanes and her daughter Michelle Hudson (Kevin); ten grandchildren — Tyla Yates, Tiffany Harris, Ryan Yates (Shelby), Sha-Lea Yates (John), Mahalie Harris, Timra Miller (Josh), Zachary Hudson (Taylor), Addison Hudson (Eden), Ethan Young, and Brent Young; fourteen great-grandchildren — Brayden Yates, Logan Yates, Ryleigh Yates, Brantley Harris, Braxston Turner, Korbyn King, Kingsley Yates, Barrett Turner, Kollin King, Maisyn Yates, Weston Yates, Hadley Miller, Leyton Miller, and Briella Miller; one sister, Sybil Jenkins; Sister-In-Law Gail King, and a host of special nieces and nephews; along with a other extended family and countless friends who will forever carry the imprint of his love in their hearts.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Bethleham Baptist Church with Reverened Dr. Wesley Adams and Clint Erickson officiating. Interment will follow in the East Pittman Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Although Jim’s life was not always easy, and at times he felt he was pushing against the current, he will be remembered for his laughter, his unwavering work ethic, and his boundless, unconditional love. He had a gift for making every person feel like they mattered — because to him, they truly did. His was a life well-lived, deeply loved, and beautifully shared. The world feels a little quieter without him, but Heaven is surely brighter because he is there.
Serving as pallbeares will be: Steve Paulk, Rodney Pope, Marty Majors, Clay Mitchell, Dean Sconiers, and Brandon Elrod.
Serving as honary pallbearers will be: Ryan Yates, Zachary Hudson, Addison Husdon, Ethan Young, Brent Young, Brayden Yates, Logan Yates, Brantley Harris, Braxston Turner, Korbyn King, Barrett Turner, Kollin King, Leyton Miller, and Weston Yates.
