James Joseph King

JAMES JOSEPH (J.J.) KING November 16, 1928 - May 18, 2023 J.J. King lived a long and meaningful life in his 94 years. He was a loving father and husband, a dedicated Marine and a prominent member of Orange County’s Black community. Following 22 years in the Navy and the United States Marine Corps, JJ earned his BA and MA degrees. This led him to his second career as Director of Purchasing and Transportation for Rancho Santiago Community College District. While living in Santa Ana and Irvine, he held leadership positions in several organizations. These included Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Nu Tau Lambda Chapter; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - Orange County Chapter; OC Black Businessmen’s Association; Southern California Military Retirees, Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana and Orange County Human Relations Commission. He was honored by many groups for his community service, but his greatest joy came through mentoring young Black men. Positive male role models were crucial to his upbringing since his father died when J.J. was only six. He was married to Lillie (Gude) King for 31 years until her death from cancer. They had one daughter. Several years after Lillie’s passing, JJ married Janice Thomas (Robinson) King who died in 2018. They shared 34 years together. J.J. leaves his daughter, Jerilyn; nieces Renee Cobb, Sharron Greenwood, Adrian Greenwood, Corliss Greenwood, and their children; God-daughters Christine Battle and Darnelle Berry and a host of other family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 9 at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 4300 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703.In lieu of flowers, contributions to the church’s Scholarship Fund or Homeless Outreach Ministry are appreciated.

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