Mr. James Garnett King III

He was a loving and Faithful husband who was still in Love with his wife of 53 years, the love of his life, Carolyn. He loved and honored his God and His Son. Jesus Christ, Savior all his life. He was a True American and loved and defended his country right or wrong.

Jim was born on February 22, 1935 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Dr. James Garrett King Jr., DDS and Lt. Colonel, US Army, World War II, 211th Field Artillery Battalion, Bronze Star, Valor in crossing the Rhine River into Germany and Patricia Ann Young King, both of Fredericksburg, VA. He graduated from Christ Church Episcopal High School at the age of 16, skipping grade 6 and accelerated courses. He attended Hampden-Sydney College in VA, and withdrew mid sophomore year after the death of his father. He then joined the United States Air Force at age 17.

In the early part of a career spanning 20 plus years he was assigned and graduated from the U.S. Army Combat Medical School and was assigned as a surgical technician to Keesler AFB, Miss., he was selected and trained Physician’s Assistant, PA surgery in the early stages of that Air Force Program. After 4 years and promotion to the non-commissioned ranks he served as NCOIC of Surgery and Medical Laboratory while assigned to Minot AFB, N.D. and Clark AFB, Philippines, USAF hospital while it was the primary hospital support for Vietnam wounded in 62 and 63. During his career Sgt. King provided medical care to the wounded of two wars, Korea and Vietnam. He was at Pacific Air Command recommended for and approved Air Force MD Program. But disapproved by the Pentagon because of the surge in Vietnams. Upon return to the states in late 63 he was assigned to the Aero Space Medical Research Division as NCOIC of Pathology and Microbiology during research in support of the Apollo Spacecraft Program. During this assignment, studying various atmosphere, altitudes and microorganism and their effects on research subjects in spacecraft simulated environments, He wrote and published a research paper entitled “Interchange of Group C Beta Hemolytic Streptococci among Dogs and Monkeys confined in Dynamic Flow Atmospheric Systems” Sgt. King next assignments took him away from The Medical Field, as Instructor communications and Management, systems command non-commissioned officers Academy. Then he was assigned to The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Spring, Co. as instructor and curriculum manager academic skills and was promoted to The Senior NCO level of Master Sergeant. In 1972, MSGT King was selected with 15 other Senior NCOS Air Force Wide to write The Curriculum for and organize a new Air Force Professional Education School. The USAF Senior Non-commissioned officer academy at Air University in Montgomery, ALA. Their efforts resulted in the successful, graduation of the First Class of Senior NCOS in 1973. Graduation Exercises included the award of Diplomas to the 16 Faculty Senior NCOS. Upon retirement in 1974, Master Sergeant King was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for his role in what has become The Premier Air Force Professional Education for the Top Three Senior NCOS in The Air Force of today. Master Sergeant King’s Decorations include Tow National Defense Medals, Vietnam Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, three outstanding unit medals, three commendation Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

In his second career as Service Marketing Manager Insurance. Jim also loved to “Play” and he and Carolyn golfed all over the continent from Myrtle Beach to Hawaii and Mexico to Virginia for 20 of their years together. He also loved to hunt and fish and pursued deer, boat, sheep (Ram), moose, antelope, turkey and pheasants from Korea to Hawaii. The Rockies to Canada and Georgia to Virginia. He fished the waters of most of these areas too but most loved the home waters of The Chesapeake Bay and Stripe Fishing. His son, Lance has been his hunting and fishing partner for 40 years. His daughter, Jerri is a deadeye shot and decimated The Jack Rabbits that com to her yard in Gmaha.

Jim was a 32nd degree Mason, further committing him to GOD and knowledge of his wisdom. Through his life, he sought and felt the presence of God in the outdoors, the woods and waters of Gods World.

Jim is preceded by the: the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Godfrey King who he met and married in Albuquerque, New Mexico,

He is survived by his deeply loved son, Lance V. King and his wife Kelly of Clayton, his beloved daughter, Jerri Louise Schoeck and husband, Ned Schoeck of Omaha, Neb, his loving and loved sister, Ridgely King Copland of Charles City, Virginia, his much loved grandchildren, Brandon Taylor King, Jordon Thomas King, Edward Payton Schoeck, Trisha Meagher and loved great grandchildren , Luke, Meager and Felicity Meagher; his loved nieces and nephews, Carolyn Copland Haupt and husband, Henry, Mary Copland Davis and husband, Curtis and sons Christian and Jack. Loved and best friend Garnett Copland and Jeff Copland and his wife, Tammy and daughter, Miranda.

Late in life, to keep active Mr. King actually began a 3rd “part time” career as an independent insurance agent specializing in employee benefits and enjoyed working with his business clients and their employees.

A visitation for James will be held Friday, March 25, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 Us 70 Business Hwy W, Clayton, North Carolina 27520. A receiving of friends will occur Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:00 PM, 12830 US 70 Bus Hwy W, Clayton, NC 27520. A graveside service will occur Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Pinecrest Memorial Park Mausoleum, 12830 US 70 Bus Hwy W, Clayton, NC 27520.