James Leroy King, 73

Graveside services for James Leroy King, 73, of Tecumseh, were held Jan. 23, 2026, in the Clear Springs Cemetery near Dawt.

He died suddenly but peacefully at his home on Jan. 21, 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 fish and hunt and especially enjoyed noodling with his dad and uncle. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1970 and became a salesman in 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 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.