James Douglas King – Menlo-Atherton Class of 1963

Jim King was born February 9, 1946 in San Francisco. He attended Menlo-Atherton High School 1959-1963 where he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. During the Vietnam War Jim was a fighter pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1969 logging over 350 combat missions.

Jim left the Marines as a 23-year-old captain and returned to Southern California where he managed several tire-outlet stores over a thirty-year career until his retirement in 2014.

Jim died on June 2, 2015 of lung cancer after a difficult battle. He was diagnosed with cancer in November 2014 and underwent chemotherapy treatment. He subsequently suffered three strokes further complicated by pneumonia to which he succumbed.

Jim was living in San Bernardino and was buried with full military honors at the Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. He leaves a son, Jimmy King Jr., and the rest of the King clan. “Jim always had a good word for everybody and he possessed a great and wonderful spirit”. Bill King

Bill,
Sheila and I are so very sorry for your loss. This is the time in our lives where good friends are experiencing painful hardships. I knew Jim through you and had many good times at the King residence in Menlo Park. You and I will never forget our good times together. They were truly special moments, too bad we did not appreciate those years. Sheila sends her warm wishes also, 51 years together this June. Bless you, Bob and Sheila Plate

Bill,
Your brother Jim – a delightful and personable guy – great athlete and a true American hero... even though he was left-handed. Oh well. My thoughts are with you and the entire King family. You are not alone in your grief – bless you all. John Matthews