Cyril James "Jim" King

Ledyard - Cyril James "Jim" King, Maj. USAF (Ret.), 77, of Gales Ferry, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013.

Jim, the only child of Cyril C. and Lillian (O'Hara) King, was born Jan. 1, 1936, and grew up in Larchmont, N.Y. He graduated from Fordham Preparatory High School, during which time he worked for the Associated Press as a copy boy running the latest news reports between the U.N. and the A.P. During his years at Fordham College ('58), he was part of AF-ROTC and co-captain of the sailing team earning Most Valuable Player Award and working for New Rochelle Yacht Club as a launch boy, his favorite job ever.

Maj. King flew the C-121, B-26 (one tour in Vietnam), F-111 (two tours in Vietnam) and retired after 20 years. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak clusters, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Those who know him say he was a good friend who was always willing to give and never asked for anything in return. He was devoted to family and faith his entire life. May his loving kindness and faith be an example to those he left behind.

His survivors include his wife, Loretta (O'Brien); and their children, Loretta Ann McElwee, Patricia Cannon, and James Peter; five grandchildren, Sean and Matthew McElwee, Krista Strazza, Shay Groves, Ryan Tobin; and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Dylan.

Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Gales Ferry. Visiting hours are 5 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donation's in Maj. King's memory to the Restoration Fund, Blessed Sacrament RC Church, P.O. Box 27, 728 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign his guestbook or to share a memory.