James "Jim" Kenneth King

James “Jim” Kenneth King, 80 of Belle, passed away Friday November 7, 2025 at his residence.

Jim was born June 20, 1945 in Stockton, California, a son to the late James Kenneth and Florence Elizabeth (Hill) King.

He was a 1964 graduate of Warwick Veteran Memorial High School in Warwick, RI. Following high school, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Jim had been employed at the Arizona Power company (TG&E) for a number of years when he was younger. He 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 on October 12, 1994 in Reno, NV. 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 business’s. Wilma and he moved to the Belle/Owensville area later and owned and operated the Kings This & That Gift Shop in Owensville for a number of years. Wilma survives in their home in Belle.

Jim was a member of the American Legion Post # 0036 in Owensville as well as the Moose Lodge. He 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 0, and eating ice cream. Jim was thoughtful and kind and had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed visiting with people and had never met a stranger. Most of all, Jim loved the times with his family. Jim will be missed by those that knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife of 33 years, Jim is survived by: one son, James Kenneth King, Jr. and his wife Brandi of Peoria, AZ; one daughter, Donna Adkins and her husband Jemmie of Bland; their two boys, Darren and Danny Thibodeaux of Louisiana; eight grandchildren, Connor, Carter, Maddie, Makayla, Joshua, Jordan, Jared, and Araiha; four great-grandchildren, Bentley, Steven, Ophelia, and Lynnleigh; and one sister Mary Raleigh of Coventry, RI as well as many extended family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services are planned for a later date and will be announced by Sassmann’s Chapel.