Mitchell Ray King

Mitchell while attending Modesto Junior College met the love of his life, Janet Adams. Janet and Mitchell married on December 21, 1974, beginning a beautiful love story that lasted more than 50 years. They moved to Arcata, California, where Mitchell majored in Biology, was #73 on the HSU football team, and worked at the local lumber mill.

Mitchell and Janet bought their first home in Hilmar, California. Mitchell worked as a ranch manager for E&J Gallo before making a career change to an agricultural PCA and moving to Turlock. Together Mitchell and Janet were blessed with two wonderful children: Their beautiful daughter, Leslie, and their amazing son, Tyler.

Mitchell’s love of sports stayed with him throughout his life. He played softball and baseball with high school friends, loved watching Leslie and Tyler in their high school sports, and rarely missed his grandchildren Brooke and Adam’s soccer, volleyball and football games. He also loved a good game of golf with friends, riding his Harley- whether with Janet and friends or on his own- and dancing with his wife because he knew she loved it. He enjoyed gatherings and camping, often with a cigar and a glass of wine or whiskey, and he truly loved his work and the co-workers and customers who became lifelong friends. Mitchell valued and cherished the friendships he formed throughout his life. His love for his family was quiet and deep, and the people he loved always knew how much they meant to him.

Mitchell had been looking forward to watching his new orchard mature, attending every one of Adam’s football games this fall and next, riding his Harley, playing golf, and simply enjoying the company of family and friends. The diagnosis of fatal brain cancer was stunning and utterly heartbreaking. Mitchell faced it courageously and quietly. During that journey, Mitchell found his faith in Jesus, bringing him a deep sense of peace and assurance. He was surrounded by the unwavering love of his family and an extraordinary circle of friends, many of whom had walked through decades of life beside him. They showed up again and again with prayers, visits, meals, laughter, stories, and simply their presence. Their friendships remained a source of strength and comfort through the end of his journey.

More than anything, Mitchell cherished the family he and Janet created together. He took great pride in Leslie and Tyler and found tremendous joy in being Papa to Brooke and Adam. His family was his greatest source of pride, comfort, and joy.

Mitchell is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his daughter, Leslie, and son-in-law, George; and his two treasured grandchildren, Brooke and Adam. He is also survived by his sister, Fran, and sister-in-law, Vicky, nieces Mei, and Stephanie, and nephew Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Stelmon; his son, Tyler; and his siblings, Laura and Dennis.

Mitchell will be tremendously missed on Earth, but his family finds great comfort in knowing he is now at peace and reunited in Heaven with those he loved and missed so deeply, especially his son, Tyler.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Glioblastoma Foundations Inc.