Thomas J. King, Jr.

Thomas James King, Jr., 93, passed away on July 19, 2023, in Jacksonville, FL. He was born on January 6, 1930, in Durant, OK, to the late Thomas J. King, Sr. and Lillian Keahey King.
Thomas spent his childhood in south Texas and joined the U.S. Navy in 1947. While stationed in San Francisco, he met the love of his life, Shirley George. They were married on June 18, 1948 and were together for 59 years, until her death on June 12, 2007. They had three children while living in northern California. 

He received this GED and completed several college courses while in the military. Thomas transitioned from active duty to the Naval Reserves. In 1958, he joined the Air Force as a Radio Equipment Foreman. During his Air Force career, duty stations included bases in California, Texas, Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Virginia. Overseas, he was stationed in Iceland, Germany, Turkey and South America. He rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and his last duty station was at the Pentagon. Thomas retired on January 31, 1977. 

After retirement, Thomas received a B.A. from Roanoke College, Roanoke, VA, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Radford University, Radford, VA. He taught Special Education in Virginia and California for several years. He taught as a substitute teacher after moving to Floyd, VA, in 2006. In 2017, he moved to Middleburg, FL, to enjoy the warm weather. He was a member, lay minister and volunteer at Grace Episcopal Church in Orange Park.

Thomas was a member of Clay County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and The Foundation for Amateur International Service. While active in amateur radio, he was awarded numerous citations for his worldwide service. Thomas was a member of American Legion, Post 250 in Middleburg and Honor Guard. His hobbies included music, woodworking, computers, community theatre and volunteering.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley King; four brothers; one sister and grandparents.
Thomas is survived by his children, Janis Givens, Steven King and Marcia King; grandchildren, Emily Weyrich, Patrick Beggs, Joshua Penticoff, Benjamin Hufford, Rebecca Reza, Raymond Hufford and Annaka King; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of Brooks Bartram Lakes Assisted Living in Bartram Park for their compassion, love and support. They truly cared about Thomas and we are forever in their debt.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 28 at 1:30 p.m. and funeral service at 2:00 p.m., both at Grace Episcopal Church, 245 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073.

Donations in Thomas’s honor may be made to K9s for Warriors.

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