Alves James Key Jr.

Alves James “AJ” Key, Jr., age 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by his family on June 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 23, 1947, to the late Alves James Key Sr. and Jean Anne Robertson Key. AJ dedicated his life to service—of his faith, his country, his family, and his community.

A proud graduate of Grand Prairie High School (Class of 1965), AJ enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation. His military service spanned both active duty and reserve commitments at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, where he served as a weapons technician. It was during this chapter of his life, while stationed in Korea, that he met and married the love of his life, In Su Yi.

Together, they raised two daughters and shared over five decades of marriage grounded in devotion and faith.

AJ's professional journey reflected his deep commitment to public safety and education. He served the Arlington Police Department for 22 years, ending his tenure as Deputy Chief. He then served four years as Chief of Police in Longview, Texas, eventually returning home to Arlington and serving as Chief Deputy for the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. After retiring from Tarrant County, he then served as an Adjunct Professor at Dallas Baptist University for eight years.

Over the term of his career, AJ earned both a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University.

A man of enduring faith, AJ was active in several church communities. He was a longtime member, Deacon, and Treasurer at the Korean American First Baptist Church of Arlington. He also served as a Deacon at Woods Chapel Baptist Church and was a member of First Baptist Church of Arlington.

AJ also took great pride in veteran advocacy. He was a dedicated member of the DFW Korean War Veterans Association, where he served as Secretary and then President, offering leadership, support, and camaraderie to fellow veterans and their families.

In his spare time, one of AJ’s great joys was spending time with his family and grandchildren. From fishing trips to family gatherings, he fully invested himself in his family, ensuring they were always safe, loved, and protected. He also enjoyed exploring history and mentoring.

His family and friends will always remember him as a steady, compassionate, and fiercely loyal man—one who lived his values every day and rarely sought the spotlight, though he certainly deserved it. His humility, wisdom, and fortitude will not be forgotten. We know he will be watching over his family and friends from heaven.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alves Sr. and Jean Key. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, In Su Key; daughters Monica Goss and husband Tommy, and Barbara Key; siblings David Key, Steven Key and wife Carolyn, Laura Singleton and husband John, Eric Key, Jeffrey Key and wife Kerri, and Phyllis Rupe and husband Dale; grandchildren Dylan Goss and Zoey Blackburn; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in AJ’s name to the following organizations close to his heart:

• Korean War Veterans Association

• Wounded Warrior Project

• USO

Visitation will be held on July 2, 2025, from 6pm-8pm at Moore Funeral Home 1219 N. Davis Dr. Arlington, TX 76012. Funeral Service will be held on July 3,2025 at 10am at Moore Funeral home; followed by committal service at 1:15pm at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Alves James Key Jr., by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.