On September 10, 1953 a son was born to Sammie D. Sr. and Ruthie Mae King. They named their son James Wesley King. He was given the middle name Wesley in honor of his paternal grandfather John Wesley King. He was fondly called Wes and was the fifth child of S.D. and Ruthie’s six children; three boys and three girls.
His early religious education began at New Mount Carmel Baptist Church under Rev. A. L. Moore and later Rev. C.A. Berry. Later, in his adult years, he joined St. Philip Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized under the leadership of Reverend W.R. Ivory.
Wes was educated in the Houston Independent School District. He attended J.C. Sanderson Elementary School, I.M. Terrell Jr High School, and Sam Houston High School. He graduated in 1972. He also completed one year of college at Texas Southern University.
Wes was athletic as a youngster. He played Little and Pony League baseball at which he excelled. He played in the position of Catcher and made quite a reputation for being a great one. He was a great hitter, too. One year his batting average was a whopping .450. He also served as co-captain of his team. Wes and his brothers accumulated a large collection of baseball cards. His all-time favorite players were Willie Mays with the San Francisco Giants and Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves.
Always a hard worker, Wes began his career at Texas Electric Steel Casting Company where he worked as a steel caster. He also worked as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk at Barney Garver Motors. He ended his career at McCorvey Sheet Metal Works as an Insulation Fabricator.
Wes retired in 2023 and stayed in contact with his colleagues via his love for football; especially the Dallas Cowboys. For over sixty years, through thick and thin, win or lose, he remained a loyal fan of his team. Fishing at Lake Livingston, in Onalaska,Texas an activity that he found peaceful and relaxing. Wes was a member of the Onalaska Cemetery Association. He was actively involved in the annual cemetery cleanups where many of his ancestors are buried.
Family gatherings were especially enjoyable to Wes; he was always willing to give a helping hand to ensure the success of these gatherings. His most favorite thing was his annual trip to Fort Worth where the Kings gathered at his sister’s home to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with her. Wes’ specific task was to help with the frying of the turkeys. It was an annual family time that was filled with delicious food, lots of laughter and love.
God called Wes home on September 27, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruthie and Sammie D. King Sr.; grandfathers John Wesley King and Major Huerell, grandmothers Julia King and Ollie Mae Burr, and sister Carolyn Douglas.
James leaves to cherish his loving memories; his siblings Sammie D. King, Jr., Eileen Johnson (Bobby), Frances Cook, and John Paul King, Aunt Cleopatra King Harris, brother-in-law Ellis Douglas, and lifelong friend Joyce Kindle. Although Wes was never blessed with children of his own, he also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, Rochelle King (Tiffany), Nevert Blaylock (LaMar), Denika Washington (Antonio), Jennifer McAtee (Von), Tiffiany Terry and nephews Jason Johnson, Jesten King Brown (Azuron), Daniel Troulliet-King, grand-nieces and nephews, Ivy Moses, Nia Moses, Alexia Quintana, Kendrea Fitzgerald, Miles Washington, Leah Washington, Scarlet King, and Tariq Harrell. He also leaves a host of relatives and friends.
