James King Obituary

JAMES "JIM" CARMON KING, 92, of Pinch left his earthly home on Thursday, August 14, 2025, after being lovingly cared for by family and caregivers who became family.
James was born in Kester, WV, on March 15, 1933, to the late Rex and Mae King. He graduated as valedictorian from Dupont High School and served in the Navy during the Korean War. Upon his return, he attended and graduated from Morris & Harvey College (University of Charleston). James worked for Columbia Gas Transmission for 32 years, serving as a supervisor, and retired at the age of 55 in February 1989.
Having an enjoyment for all things outdoors, James could often be seen around the house riding on his John Deere tractor. He was always busy mowing, gardening, and burning whatever he gathered up in his burning pit. James enjoyed fishing and spending time in Roane County hunting on his farm. An avid high school sports fan, James kept up with all of the football and basketball games throughout the state, especially Herbert Hoover Huskies. He also enjoyed watching collegiate, particularly WVU Mountaineers, and professional sports on television. Quite the statistician, he could provide insights for players and teams at all levels. He loved animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed spending time watching his birds flock to the many feeders he kept full for them. Later in life, he took up painting and enjoyed painting various wildlife.
James lost his bride of almost 67 years, Kathleen (Abbott), who he lovingly called Mom, on June 11, 2024, and missed her dearly. Their story began on September 11, 1957, when he spotted Kathleen working at her parent's community store in Amma. He often told the tale of how randomly stopping in to buy a bag of Tom's salted peanuts and an ice cold RC Cola changed the trajectory of his life. Starting with a first date at the Elkview Drive In, James and Kathleen were joined in matrimony on June 28, 1958, and built a wonderful life together to include four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
James is survived by daughter Joleen King Harless of Sissonville, son Kevin (Donna) King of Charleston, son Mark (Amy) King of Buckhannon, and daughter Tamara (Jason Turley) Fuller of Hurricane; granddaughters Krysteen (Ricky) Sovine of Sissonville, Emily King, and Kingsley Fuller; grandsons Oliver King, Conner King, and Bear Fuller; great-grandsons Preston and Kolston Sovine. The family would like to thank Lucy Simpson, Michelle Craig, Diana Moore, Joann Foster, Stephanie Carper, Carolyn Taylor, Ashley Conaway, Patti Foster, Kim Campbell and all the girls from Right at Home. A very special thanks goes out to Kat Nichols for her care of both "Poppy and Momma Ma'am."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of James King to the Kanawha County Humane Society,1248 Greenbrier St, Charleston, WV 25311.
The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Hafer Funeral Home, with Pastor Michael Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Clover Cemetery in Clover, WV.
Visitation will be from 12 - 2 p.m., on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Hafer Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to haferfuneralhome.net
Arrangements are in the care of Hafer Funeral Home, 50 North Pinch Road, Elkview, WV 25071.