John King, Sr.

John Pyram King, Sr, 94, of Neptune Beach, FL, passed away peacefully in his residence on January 15, 2017. Born Johnnie, in Wilmington, NC, to parents Beatrice C. Risley and Sion J. King, Sr. John was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, FL, member of the Advent Christian Church, and since 1951, a 32nd Degree Freemason in Lodge 23 of the Scottish Rite. In 1944, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp, in the 5th Bomb Group, 23rd Squadron, serving in the Pacific Theater as a 2nd Lt. flying B-24 Bombers with some of the best men he ever knew. After the war, in 1946, John made the best decision of his life and married Shirley McVeigh. Together they raised four children and celebrated a 68 year marriage. After college at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), John began work in the insurance business. By the 1950's, John began to serve the public when he was elected to the Jacksonville City Council, and then as Clerk of the Criminal Court. Later, John worked for the United Way State of Florida Insurance Bureau and finished his life work with the Civil Defense Office of Jacksonville.

John loved to fly airplanes, but his life's passion was music, in particular, playing the drums in the First Coast Dixieland Jazz Band. A "Lifetime Member" of the Musician's Association of Jacksonville, American Legion Post 0129, A.C.L.U., and the Morocco Temple Shrine Band. He was an active member of the Beaches Democratic Club. He served as a LBJ Presidential Delegate in 1964 and discovered Europe and traveled Ireland in his 80s. He volunteered with Big Brothers and was the Music Director and Sunday School teacher at the Southside Community Advent Christian Church and President of The Dad’s Club at Southside Grammar School.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, S. Joseph Jr., James, Jennings, Miles; sisters, Genevieve, Rosanell, Gloria, Annie Laurie. He is survived by his children, Mary King (John Bennett), Kathleen King, Joni Pearl Adno (Eric Jilderda), and John P. King, Jr. (Joy); grandchildren, Ian Eckerson, Kristen King Smith, Mason King, Henry King; sister-in-law, Jean Millis King; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home. The service begins at 7 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Community Hospice of NE Florida.