Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James King Obituary
He was born August 27, 1941 in Mitchell County, son of the late James Albert King and Cannie Biddix King. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, William King.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Vicki Gallman King; son, Mark King (Lisa); daughter, Michelle "Missy" Asel; stepsons, Tom Miller (Amanda) and Bryan Miller (Caroline); brother, Johnny King (Vicky); sisters, Barbara Frye (Cecil), Mary Ball, Myrtle Callahan, Patricia Moon (Cecil); grandchildren, Sarah, An-nah and Jason King, Lillian Asel, Sydney and Parke Miller, Hannah and Avery Miller; great-grandchildren, Maddie Barnhart and Maddox Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jay grew up in the mountains of North Carolina with little more than a roof over his head, the steadfast love of his large family, and an abiding faith in God. When his father died at age 39 from tuberculosis, the really hard times set in for him, his mother and his six siblings. Times were tough but the King family was tougher. Through the good times and the bad, his family prevailed and knew that their lives were dependent upon the love and mercy of the Lord.
In 1978, Jay built the first Kingsway convenience store and grew that business over the years to a total of eighteen. Jay was an extremely smart man who loved the thrill and challenge of building his business. In 2006, he purchased the two Dairy Queens in Gastonia to expand his business. With all this, Jay was an extremely caring, compassionate, and generous man who cared about his employees and helped them by giving to them and mentoring them. Jay thought nothing about giving away money, possessions and advice but most all his joy was found in being with his family. He is deeply loved and missed.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday June 3rd at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Church, 3100 Bethlehem Church St., Gastonia, officiating Pastor Dickie Spargo.
The family will receive friends Tuesday June 2nd from 6-8 pm at the church.
Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont.
Arrangements are with Green Funeral Service. Condolences may be made online at greenefuner-al.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Jay's favorite charity, St Jude's, Hospice of Gastonia, or to his Bethlehem church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James King
July 1, 2015
We just learned of your loss, and mourn with you all. Jay was the King of the Kings. His kindness, generosity, patience and thoughtfulness were unmatched. We will miss him, but know that he is in the arms of the Lord now. Please accept our sincere condolences, love and support in his passing.
Chris, Joni, Cassandra, Nikole, Madeleine and Victoria Burrell
Crystal Hall
June 27, 2015
I am just finding out that my Landlord has passed. He was such a good person and I will miss him dearly. My he rest in peace and power...
Linda Polk
June 5, 2015
Mark and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know Jay is with Jesus and his pain is over May he rest in peace! God be with you all at this time.
Belinda Tidwell
June 4, 2015
Mark and the entire King family. I was so saddened to hear about jay. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss. May you all have peace knowing his love of Christ.
THOMAS SMITH
June 4, 2015
I am a friend of Cecil,s I did meet JAMES. may he rest in peace,sorry for your lost he will be missed.
Ewayne (Rockett) Blankenship
June 3, 2015
It's 10:00pm and my brother just called to tell me about Jay. I am so sorry I didn't know earlier. Please know all the family is in my thoughts and prayers. I've know Jay over 50 years and am glad to have call him a friend. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
G Kumar
June 3, 2015
He was a wonderful man
Linda Parker
June 3, 2015
In my thoughts and prayers.
David & Judi O'Brien
June 2, 2015
A SPECIAL Man...
A WONDERFUL Friend...
Goforth Family
June 2, 2015
Jay was a great example to anyone who knew him. A humble, hard working, and very nice man. He was one of the greatest people I had the honor of ever knowing. God bless you Jay.
JERRY WALDROP
June 2, 2015
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AND HE WILL BE MISSED ALOT AND BY ME JERRY WALDROP
Doiug Robinson
June 2, 2015
He was a great encouragement to me in some very hard times in my life.
Larry King
June 2, 2015
Jay will be missed. I've known him since well before he opened his first store when we lived next door to him. Both our families were named King and we lived next door to each other and I remember having fun with Jay when we tried to sort out the mail almost daily! I later reconnected with him dancing at Coyote Joes. Jay was a very accomplished dancer and great person. He will be missed.
Andrea Queen
June 2, 2015
Prayers go out to the entire King family. Johnny and Vicki, I will be thinking of you during this difficult time. Much Love, Andrea
Nancy Jackson Martin
June 2, 2015
We will miss seeing Jay's smiling face at Jackson's Cafeteria. He was not just a loyal customer, but a friend that we came to know and love. Please know how sorry we are and our prayers are with you at this sad time.
June 2, 2015
We remeber Jay T from growing up together on Morris Street. He was a kind and caring friend to us all. We would like to express our deepest sympathy to his family during this difficult time.
Vicky Smith Blalock and Linda Smith Cloniger
Mamie Rudisill
June 2, 2015
I met Jay King originally through business 15 years ago, when he allowed me to supply his printing needs. Over the years have became friends through attending the same church. Jay was an exceptional man in his sincerity and generosity. I was greatly impressed by his determination when his cancer battle was the toughest, he has encouraged me many of time when he came into church each Sunday when his strength was so weak, but he knew where he needed to be. Vickie and Jay and Jays sisters and extended family have been a blessing to our church family and our prayers will continue for each of them during this time, that they will feel the presence of God and remain confident that this is not the end but only a waiting period till they reunite again in a place that will rejoice together before our Lord and Savior.
Brice Warren
June 2, 2015
Mark and Missy,Vickie and the extended King family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss of your precious Dad and husband and friend to so many. Jay and I were high school friends with so many good memories. Still have a picture on my phone where he and my granddaughter and myself had lunch at Dairy Queen together. Love to you all. Brice and Georgia Warren and Georgie
betty folts
June 1, 2015
So sorry for your loss. He always treated me well.
I know he will be missed. He will never be forgotten.
Susan and Beulah marks
June 1, 2015
I myself did not know him as well as my mom Beulah Burleson Marks and she thought the world of him and his sisters and brothers as cousins... Prayers for all the family. He's is in a much better place...
Susan and Beulah Marks
David, Laura, Terri, and Donna Layel
June 1, 2015
Jay King was a good friend, a good man, and a good father, and I'm sure his family will greatly miss him.
But they may take comfort in knowing the kind of person he was and how he lived his life.
We all know where Jay is now and God's eternal warm sunlight will shine on him forever.
Rick Queen
June 1, 2015
Our community has lost one of its finest men. The kind of man who made America great. A hard working , family man. He set the example for others who would strive to make a better life for themselves through honest hard work. He succeeded in a very tough business with his tough determination to succeed. I am proud to have known him and to have worked for him.
Sandra Allen
June 1, 2015
So sorry for your loss mark and the family ,God bless you ,jay was always good to me and a very nice person ,may you find peace in this time of sorrow Sandy allen
David Byrd
June 1, 2015
*Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of out friend. We'll always remember Jay fondly and feel lucky that we had the pleasure of knowing him. We know he is in a better place and will be very missed.
Janie Caldwell
June 1, 2015
For 5 yrs i work for you and you was by far the best boss. You have a new body. Pain free and happy.
Tommy Reid
June 1, 2015
The circle continues to come together. Give my love to my mother (your Aunt Zella) and all the other Biddix family members. Rest in Peace JT - Your Cousin Tommy Reid
June 1, 2015
I was very blessed and so lucky to be raised with Jay. He was like a brother to me.I admired him so much. He was a very smart business man and a wonderful human being.What he did with his life was more than amazing to me. I will miss you Jay, but we'll catch up right around the corner..Cousin Peggy
David Dickson
June 1, 2015
I am deeply saddened by your loss I learned a lot from Jay about business and life in general. I considered Jay and friend and mentor
Johnny and Diane Morris
June 1, 2015
Our memories are many years of dancing together on the team. We will do it again one day on golden streets. Love you and will miss you.
Kirk Stowe
June 1, 2015
Jay taught me so much as a young man working along side of him.
An education I could have never received anywhere else. Lessons I still and will always use in my own business today. I was very fortunate to have been part of his family. I will miss him and I will always remember the wisdom and friendship he gifted to me.
Thank you Mr King for taking me under your wing. Will never forget what you did for me. How fortunate I am to have had you in my life.
June 1, 2015
charles miles.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in James King's name
Memorial Events
for James King
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James King's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
