James Alfred King, Sr., 77, of Coldwater, Michigan passed away Monday, January 8, 2024 at Drews Place of Coldwater.
In accordance to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 4:00-6:30 p.m., with a rosary to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
A burial of ashes will be held at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Lansing, MI at a later date.
Jim was born in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Alfred James and Arlene Grace Patterson) King on Monday, April 29, 1946. On July 8, 1989 James married Lagretta J. Smith in Coldwater and she survives.
Jim was a graduate of J.W. Sexton High School, Lansing, Michigan, class of 1964. He then attended Lansing Community College for a short time, while working at Fisher Body. In 1966, Jim entered the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Sgt. after completing the 3rd Armored Division NCO Academy.
Upon being Honorably Discharged from the Army in 1968, Jim was employed at Michigan National Bank in Lansing until leaving to join the Michigan State Police (MSP) in 1971 in the 79th recruit school. Jim served at the Jackson, Newberry, and Coldwater Posts, retiring in 1996 after 25 plus years of dedicated service.
During his time with the MSP, Jim was a K-9 handler for 10 years with dogs Smokey and Wolf. While at the Coldwater Post, Jim became involved with the MSP Explorer Scouts Law Enforcement Program. For eight years, he volunteered as a Drill Instructor for the Michigan Law Enforcement Youth Training Academy during the summers.
After retiring from the MSP in 1996, Jim was the paraprofessional for the Criminal Justice Program at the Branch Area Career Center (BACC) for 14 years. While there, he participated in the Criminal Justice Youth Club Programs.
While still at the BACC, Jim worked part-time for the Quincy Police Department, the Richland Police Department, and finally as a Deputy with the Branch County Sherrif’s Department.
Jim was a member of the Newberry Elks Lodge #1705 for 38 years, the Newberry American Legion Post #74 for 34 years, and was a faithful member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Coldwater.
He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and gardening; but above all else, Jim loved and cherished his family.
In addition to his wife Lagretta, Jim leaves behind his children Michelle Amble of FL, Lorie (John) Sollers of Edgewater, MD, Kimberly (Kieth) Pavey of Ft. Wayne, IN, James (Nichole) King, Jr. of Jackson, MI; his siblings Carol Schirrmacher of Sacramento, CA, Russell King of Bonita Springs, FL, Janet (Gary) Fraaz of Greensboro, GA; his grandchildren Andrew (Alyssa) Amble, Cory Amble, Ethan Frantz, Destin (Evelynn) Frantz, Carson Frantz, Brandon (Kristinia) Pavey, Larson (Whitney) Pavey, Andy (Paige) King, Jimmy (Abby) King III; his great grandchildren Alena, Harrison, Holden, Ryder, Mason, Camden and his loving nieces and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather Willard Wing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Sarah Irene Haylett-Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, Branch Area Career Center, Coldwater, MI.
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