John J. King

KING, John J. Passed away at home in Petaluma, Tuesday, August 28, 2001. John was born on February 26, 1910 in Petaluma. He was the fourth of seven children born to John and Bertha King. They lived on the King family farm across from Wilson School, where John attended schools as a child. He was an outstanding athlete and scholar at Petaluma High School where he graduated in 1928. After obtaining a bookkeeping degree at Sweets Business College in Santa Rosa, he worked for a number of years in banking at Bank of America and the American Trust Company in Petaluma. In 1939, John took over his father’s real estate business. He operated this business known as the J.J. King Agency for more than 50 years, specializing in the sale of dairy ranches in Sonoma and Marin Counties. At one time he was reputed to have sold more dairy ranches in these counties than all other real estate brokers combined. In addition to his real estate business, John was a partner in two Marin County dairy businesses for about 25 years. John was elected to the Petaluma City Council in 1941 and served until 1949, when he was narrowly defeated in a run for mayor against then incumbent Jasper Woodson. John again served on the Petaluma City Council from 1955 until 1962. He was very active in Democratic Party politics and in 1959 he was appointed by then Governor Pat Brown to the California State Water Commission, where he served for eight years. He helped to oversee implementation of the California Water Plan, including construction of the Oroville and San Luis dams. John loved animals and was a daily fixture at the Sonoma County Fair for more than 50 years. During the 40’s and 50’s he owned and raced standard bred horses. One of his horses, Michael Tass, was ranked second in California in 1947. John was a member of Petaluma Elks Lodge #901 for more than 50 years and served as Exalted Ruler in 1957. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ramona King of Petaluma. Father of John J. King Jr. of Petaluma and Robert L. King of Scarsdale, N.Y. Brother of Josephine Traversi of Petaluma. Grandfather of 10 and great grandfather of 12. Memorial services are pending. The family prefers memorials be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952 or to your favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY.