James Thomas King

August 27, 1941  -  May 30, 2015

Life Legacy

It is with deep sadness that the family of James “Jay” Thomas King, 73 of Belmont, announce his passing on May 30, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Our sorrow is tempered by the knowledge that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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, Annah 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 2:00pm at Bethlehem Church, 3100 Bethlehem Church St., Gastonia, officiating Pastor Dickie Spargo.

The family will receive friends Tuesday June 2nd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the church.

Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont.

Arrangements are with Greene Funeral Service. Condolences may be made online at greenefuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Jay’s favorite charity, St Judes, Hospice of Gastonia, or to his Bethlehem church.