Jimmy Douglas King, Sr.

Jimmy Douglas King, Sr., born September 15, 1951, passed away on April 14, 2026. Born in Morehead City, he was the son of the late Gordon Sutton King and Mary Marjorie Stroud Ivey. Raised near Kinston, North Carolina, Jimmy eventually made Wilmington the place he called home for most of his life. He passed peacefully surrounded by those he committed his heart and life to, held close by the family he loved so deeply.

Jimmy was a steady and faithful man. Strong‑willed in the best ways, shaped by a lifetime of hard work, loyalty, and love. To some, he carried a tough exterior, but to those who truly knew him, he was a warm and generous man, showing his love through quiet acts of service. As he grew older, those edges softened, revealing more and more of the gentle, tender-hearted soul he was.

Jimmy spent many years in the textile industry, working with DuPont and later with Guilford Fibers. After decades in the corporate world, he chose to follow his passion to work with his hands, joining Ed Newsome’s Hardwood Floors. There, he was the connection to the customers. He handled estimates and worked closely with them ensuring they received quality work with a friendly smile. Known as the man who could fix anything, he was called on by many to help with their own projects. He even ran his own handyman business for a time. Perhaps the most rewarding chapter of his working life came with Diversified Service Contracting, where he poured his heart into the people and the work he believed in.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gordon King.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen Lee King. To know Jimmy was to know how deeply he loved Karen. They were attached at the hip, each the other’s constant companion. She adored him, and he adored her.

He leaves behind his children: Jennifer King Hardison (Sam), Marcus King (Aimee), and Doug King (Hannah). He was also the proud granddaddy of Colvet King (Madison), Andrew King, and Anna Rose King. He was looking forward to meeting his first great‑grandson this coming October. He is also survived by his sister, Becky Swinson(Cecil).

Jimmy and Karen loved spending time together in their yard, taking pride in the home and space they built with each other. He found enjoyment in his workshop, never short of lumber for whatever his next project might be. He also loved to fish, and watching or playing golf whenever he had the chance.

Our family rests in the comfort and promises of Scripture, trusting in a faithful God who draws near to the brokenhearted and sustains us in times of sorrow. Psalm 95 reminds us, the Lord is “a great God, and a great King above all gods”, the One who holds the depths of the earth and the heights of the mountains, the sea and the dry land are in His hands. Even in this season of grief, we hold to the hope that this goodbye is not the end, and we find peace in knowing that God is with us, carrying us through.

A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held at the Andrews Mortuary Chapel in Hampstead, NC on Saturday April 18, 2026. The family will receive family and friends beginning at 1:00pm with a service to follow at 2:00pm. The service will be officiated by Phil Ortego of Scotts Hill Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Scotts Hill Baptist Church missions fund, or the Cora’s Grove Church building fund.

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