Graveside services for James Leroy King, 73, of Tecumseh, MO will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 in the Clear Springs Cemetery near Dawt, MO.

He died suddenly, but peacefully, at home on January 21, 2026 after a lengthy battle with heart disease.

Jim was born May 3, 1952 in Great Falls, Montana to Doyle and Ruth Joan (Endicott) King. He grew up in Ozark County where he loved to hunt and fish, especially when he went noodling with his dad and uncles. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1970 and became a salesman for the printing industry for many years. With the family farm in Ozark County, he loved to bring family and friends to go camping, floating and fishing on the river and especially loved to go deer hunting with his son, Ryan.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ellen; his son, Ryan King; his daughter, Julie (King) Jeffries; his sister, Angie (King) Humble (Randy); his brother, Jeremy King (Kelly); grandchildren: Chloezelle, Paxton, Maddie, Tayla and Walker; a nephew, Chase Cook and his son, Eli; many cousins, friends, aunts, and one uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Ruth Joan (Endicott) King; his grandparents; and uncles and aunts.

Memorial contributions may be made to Clear Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.