Mr. James Emmitt King, born on February 15, 1927 in Bessemer, Alabama, to late parents Esther Zander King and William P. King Sr., passed away at age 91 on February 17, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1944. During World War II, James served as a Corporal in the U. S. Army. Where he ran the motor pool in Manheim Germany. James attended Electronic School; upon completion he repaired radios and televisions. He also attended Kalamazoo Community College, Kalamazoo MI, where he received his certification for Adult Foster Care. James owned and operated an Adult Foster Care Home; King AFC until he retired in 2008

James was known as a CB radio enthusiast. His handle was “King James the Big Head”. He road is 1961 Harley Division Pan Head motorcycle for many years. One of his favorite stories was his trip across county to California. His Alabama roots were manifest each year by his beautiful backyard garden. He enjoyed cooking and canning. His specialties were barbecue with his special homemade sauce, extremely hot tomato juice, and yummy dill and bread and butter pickles.

James was preceded in death by his brothers, First Lieutenant Earl Eugene King, Tuskegee Airman Red Tail; and George Howard King, U. S. Army Air Force., sisters, Pearlie May Prince, Margret Louise King, Bertha Lenora Ward, Mattie Louise Wright, and Lillie Jean Lewis. He is survived by his son, E. Noel King; daughters, Del M. McClenney, Mellony K. Higgs, Deniece Y. King, Tamera R. King, Teresa M. Williams (Barry), and Kristina Jordan; sibling Jason Jordan; brother, Corporal William P. King Jr.; Aunt, Georgia Lee Prince; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was a member of Stone Church Kalamazoo, MI.