Jimmy King

Jimmy Donald King - recently widowed husband, father, Papa Jimmy, friend - quietly left us on the afternoon of December 12, 2023 and entered the presence of the Jesus he so proudly followed. He drew his last breath at home in Bossier City, LA at 86 years old, sitting in his favorite chair, just a week after receiving a diagnosis of terminal cancer. He’ll be celebrating Christmas with Alice after all!

Jimmy was born near Shaw, MS and lived most of his young life through high school in Indianola MS, growing up in the home of his grandmother, whom he called ‘Mama King’ and his Uncle Freeman. By a stroke of luck, he managed to get a seat on the bus next to Alice Neal on their high school senior trip and a match was made that survived 65 years until her passing in March of this year.

Jimmy served one enlistment in the Air Force, marrying Alice halfway through his service. They started married life in Alexandria LA at England Air Force Base, where they began building their young family. Through the years, Jimmy thrived in various Sales positions, working with a characteristic focus and determination to constantly improve. After choosing to follow Jesus in his late 20’s, his first passion from that point on was serving the church and sharing the story of the gospel. Both of which he did with that same determination until the day of his passing.

Jimmy filled his life and his schedule serving his family and his church, teaching Sunday School, serving on committees, organizing and driving many different ministries, most of that time at Waller Baptist Church. Many dear friends were made along the way through church fellowships, Rook playing road trips and game nights filled with laughter, love and loud arguments! The slower pace of retirement years still included many ambitious ideas for ministry, many animated discussions and a new place of service at Bellaire Baptist. While Jimmy has always been very comfortable sharing his opinion, he has shared even more generously of his time and his energy and his heart.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his precious wife, Alice, of almost 65 years. He is survived by his two sons, Andy King (Angola, LA), Chris King and wife, Janice (Flower Mound, TX); and 2 daughters Lisa King Horn (Leander TX), and Carol King Andersen and husband Mark (Bossier City LA). He leaves behind 8 grandchildren, – Jared Horn (Dallas TX); Jami Goodlin (San Antonio TX); Jessi Kearns (Kerrville TX); Evie Schonfarber (Shreveport LA); Ali Scoggin (Doyline, LA); and Jax, Brenley and Havyn King (Flower Mound TX). In the last 5 years, he has welcomed 5 great granddaughters – Kinsey & Kenadee Goodlin; Andi & Sparrow Kearns and Saylor Schonfarber.

He is also survived by two sisters, Diane Johnson Bergen (Blairsville, GA) and Debra Johnson Tracy (Neenah, Wisconsin) and many other cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family across the country.

Jimmy (Dad, Papa) – You have been an inspiration to all of us! Your bold, strong faith and trust have given us courage to face our own battles. We love you – we miss you already – but we celebrate that today that you are more alive than you have ever been before.

Memorial Service will be held at Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier, City LA on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 10:30am. There will be a reception afterwards, graciously hosted by Jimmy’s new church family at Bellaire, in the Fellowship Hall.