Jim King

JIM KING James "Jim" King died quietly at home on March 10, 2017 in Chico, CA. He was 76. Jim was born on August 30, 1940 in Balston Spa, NY to Carl and Minnie King. He graduated from Purdue University in 1962 and served as a First Lieutenant in the Army from 1964-66, including a tour in Vietnam. He married Jane Conner in 1962. The King family moved to Chico in 1974, where Jim bought the local Chevrolet dealership and opened King Chevrolet. After more than 20 years as a car dealer, Jim began a career as a consultant for the National Auto Dealers Association. Jim was an active Rotarian for much of his professional life, he retired in 2015. Jim was an avid cowboy and rancher, and started in the cattle business from the homestead on Keefer Road before adding the Jesse ranch in the Cohasset foothills. He was a member of several riding organizations including the Comanche Riders Association, San Mateo County Mounted Patrol and Rancheros Vistadores. Jim was also a cowboy poet and performed at events across the west for more than a decade. Jim is survived by his sons, Chris, of Vancouver, WA and Carter, of San Mateo, CA and five grandchildren. A memorial service will take place on April 7 at 11:00am at TJ Farms Estates in Chico. Friends and associates are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Chico Rotary Club in care of Brusie Funeral Home.