James A. King, Sr. passed from labor to reward May 21, 2024, at Sentara Careplex Hospital.  He was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife Janie V. King for what would have been 45 years, June 9th.

He was born to Clem Palmer King and Ethel Mitchell King (both deceased) on April 15, 1942, in Ruffin, North Carolina.  At an early age he accepted Christ into his life and became a member of Mount Herman Missionary Baptist Church in Ruffin, NC.  As a member he was a Sunday school Scholar.  His high level of work ethic was instilled in him by his parents.  Upon graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in Reidsville, NC, he was invited to live with his uncle Mitchell and Aunt Louise to pursue a career with Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company through the Newport News Ship Apprentice School.  During his 43 years of service in employment, he earned the Management of Managers for Projects in 1981 and was employed as a Ship Inspector.  Above all his accolades, he loved God, his family, church, friends, hunting and mentoring various employees and coworkers.  He showed that love consistently through his acts of service.

His family, friends and community knew him as a man who was dedicated to the ministries of his church in which he served.  For decades he was a faithful servant to First Baptist Church Jefferson Park as a dedicated leader on the Board of Trustees, and the Senior Usher Board.  He also volunteered in many capacities including, but not limited to providing transportation, driving Sunday school participants.  He also provided landscaping for the orphanage at Petersburg Church when needed.  He was also a member of the Layman League of the tidewater Peninsula Baptist Association in which he received the Outstanding Layman's Award.

He loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed being a devoted grandfather to his grandchildren whom he was very passionate about.  He and his wife ensured that they attended every family reunion until this year due to untimely death.

Outside of church his favorite pastime was hunting which he enjoyed immensely.  He won multiple marksman awards for his hunting skill set.  He was a dedicated treasurer of the Tri County Hunt Club and cherished the friendships he developed over the years with fellow club members.

James was preceded in eternal life by his siblings, Anne M. Spenser, Bernice K. Hemby and Clem King.  He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Janie King, his daughter, Janet King,

his son, James A. King, Jr. (Jesse), Bonus children, Jerré Brown (Chris), Jerry Small, III (deceased; Sandra) and Jon Small (Ernestine); eleven grandsons and granddaughters, and six great grandchildren  He also leaves three sisters, Marjorie Tuck, Queen Jones and Doris Scott, two brothers, George King (Emma), and Bernard King (Janice), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, June 15, 2024 at First Baptist Church Jefferson Park, Newport News.  Viewing will be from 3-6 PM, Friday, June 14, 2024 at the funeral home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.