James "Jim" Robert King

He was born July 2, 1942 in Pekin to Robert and Virginia (Braden) King.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John “Jack” King.

Jim married Cheryl Harris on October 15, 1966 in Morton, and is survived by his three loving children, Jeff, Jennifer, Jamie, their spouses, Evelyn Greg, and Daniel, along with his three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and two granddogs.

Jim was a United States Navy veteran serving from 1961 to 1965. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS O’Hare where he participated in the naval blockade during the Cuban middle crisis.

Following his time in the military, he was a proud member of IBEW Local 34, working as an electrician for 36 years until his retirement in 2001.

Our loving father enjoyed spending time on the lake and taught his kids and grandkids how to fish. Jim could also be found in the timber hunting or cutting wood. He was always learning and loved to read. He was creative and had a knack for inventing tools to make his life easier. We jokingly called him MacGyver for his ability to create a useful tool out of a paper clip and shoestring. All his friends knew him as a fierce euchre player and a practical joker, who always could be counted on for a great laugh and a cold beer.

Jim passionately loved his children and their spouses and all of his grandkids.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Jim’s life will be Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Peoria Sportsman Club at 6404 Bass Rd, Manito, IL. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Jim was a sailor at heart, and has now gone to sail the world. He will be dearly missed by everyone who loved him.

You may view Jim’s obituary online at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com