James R. King

James R. King, 89, of Creve Coeur, MO and formerly of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 1:33 AM, Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Creve Coeur, MO.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Pastor Doug Job will officiate. Burial will be at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Jim's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Jim was born July 12, 1936, in Hannibal, MO to Raymond King and Viola King Brawley.
He was married to Letha J. Eager on June 26, 1955, in Hannibal, MO. They just celebrated seventy wonderful years together. She survives.
Other survivors include his three children, Dena Tucker of Hannibal, MO, Susan Howe (Mark) of St. Peters, MO, and Lynn Benney (Tom) of St. Charles, MO); nine grandchildren: Robert Tucker (Erin), Ryan Tucker, Irah Howe (Yvonne), Jim Howe (Aydrian), Dale Howe, Amanda Winters, Lexie Cox (Jason), Rita Roussin (Jake) and Tomi Benney (Blake O'Brien); and 15 great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Karl King; sister, Ruth Carruth; and son-in-law, Gail Tucker.
Jim worked in printing and graphic arts his whole career and retired as a Graphic Arts teacher at the Hannibal Vocational and Technical School.
Jim had a passion for American History and the Civil War. James was often found being a Civil War re-enactor. This passion led him to the silver screen where he was an extra in the TV miniseries on ABC with the legendary Patrick Swayze. With the same enthusiasm he had for history, Jim found joy in the simple pleasure of settling down to watch episodes of 'Gunsmoke' and 'The Rifleman. During the holidays, Jim donned the red suit and white beard to play Santa Claus. His portrayal brought joy and wonder to countless children, embodying the generous spirit of the holiday season. Jim's zest for life extended beyond his interests; he was an avid traveler with a particular fondness for Hawaii. In his younger years, Jim carried his competitive spirit onto the softball field, where he excelled in fast pitch softball. Jim had a story for every occasion and a joke always ready to share! Most of all, Jim treasured his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim will be missed by all who loved him.
Jim was a member of First Christian Church in Hannibal, MO. At First Christian, the kids knew him as "Candy Man" because he always carried Smarties in his pocket to share.
Pallbearers will be Rob Tucker, Ryan Tucker, Henry Howe, Frankie Howe, Grant Cox and Avery Winters.
Memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia And Lymphoma Society. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.