James P. King passed away on October 20, 2023, at 81. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Eunice King of Gales Ferry, his brother Michael of Manchester CT, his 3 children and their spouses, Andy and Kristina King of Joplin MO, Cindy and Jeff Conklin of Middletown CT and Kerry and Dave Fennell of Oakdale CT. He has 7 grandchildren, Johnathan and Veronica King, Ryan, Kyle, Katie, Emily, Mia, and Erin. He also has a great-grandson, Noahh.
He grew up in Berlin and spent his summers at Point O’Woods beach in Old Lyme, where he met his wife, Eunice.
Jim graduated from Berlin High School in 1960, he then went onto college in Maine at University of New England, then known as St Francis College. He received his master’s degree from the University of Hartford. Upon graduating from college, he started teaching in Bristol for 2 years before moving to Ledyard with his wife. He began teaching at Ledyard High School in 1966. He taught for 34 years, retiring in 2000. While at Ledyard he coached the boys’ freshmen basketball team in the 70s. He worked at the U.S. Post office weekends and summers and painted houses with his teacher friends.
He enjoyed playing softball with the guys, chatting with people around the town, rooting for the Ledyard and UCONN girls’ basketball teams, Sudoku, and his collection of jokes he could whip out of his pocket at any moment.
He taught and lived with humor, sarcasm, and strong connections. His teaching methods were unique and positively impacted many students. He continued to receive frequent letters and updates from his students over the years, which he treasured.
He was proud of his family and was a kindhearted person with a sarcastic humor we all enjoyed. He will be missed but always remembered.
There will be no services per his request, but his family is very appreciative of all positive outreach via social media posts, texts, and phone calls.