James Clarence KING

KING, James Clarence 1920 - 2014 Longtime Santa Rosa resident, teacher and garden guru died peacefully in his home with his daughter by his side on September 20, 2014. "Jim" enjoyed a busy and active lifestyle for 93 of his 94 years. He was born in North Carolina and spent his early years growing up on the Silver Cup Dairy Ranch with his 5 sisters and 1 brother. He graduated from NC State University in 1941 with a BS Degree in Animal Sciences and Horticulture. Jim spent 3 years in the US Cavalry during World War ll. During his Tour, he was in Europe and then in Santa Rosa, CA. After the War, he did graduate work at UC Davis. Jim taught Agriculture at Santa Rosa High School from 1946-1979, where he was Director of Agriculture for the last 11 of his 33 year tenure. As an FFA Advisor he was responsible for 281 State Farm Degree recipients as well as many award winning poultry and meat judging teams. He participated in over 60 Sonoma County Fairs with his FFA groups and assisted with many Harvest Fairs. Upon retiring, he began teaching at SRJC from 1980 until 2001. During his entire time in Santa Rosa, Jim was active in The Men's Garden Club of Santa Rosa of which he was a charter member in 1947. He served as National President and Director of that organization in 1985. He was also a member of the Redwood Empire Rose Society and a Consulting Rosarian. He had some 100 varieties of roses in his home garden. He helped design, plant and maintain the rose garden in Julliard Park, where a bench now resides in his honor. Jim was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as Treasurer. Jim King touched many Santa Rosa residents with his energy, love and dedication to task. His enthusiasm and expertise will be missed. He is survived by his Daughter, Susan King, of Sacramento and his two younger Sisters, Helen Larson of Iowa and Gene Peele of Tennessee as well as many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be this Saturday, October 18, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church, 1551 Montgomery Drive Santa Rosa at 2:00 p.m. Reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to: The First United Methodist Church of Santa Rosa; the James King Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Men's Garden Club of Santa Rosa or the Future Farmers of America.