James W. King Sr.

Arundel

James W. King Sr, aged 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at his Arundel home in the early hours of July 15, 2026.

Jim was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on September 15, 1948, to Evelyn R. Stockwell and James D. King. He was the only child of James and the last of Evelyn's four sons.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teen during the Vietnam War. Jim would attain the rank of Sergeant, surviving two tours as an airborne ranger, and earning himself an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart medal. Jim put in a total of 30 years before retiring. After military retirement made Jim stir-crazy, he would work for Pratt and Whitney before fully retiring.

He was a proud veteran and an even prouder family man.

His family was his everything, and he was ours.

Jim married Linda Rusecky on December 2, 1967, and spent 49 years together, raising their 3 children and doting on their families.

Jim had a passion for the outdoors that included hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and hiking, which he passed on to his family by organizing the yearly camping trip. He loved music in all forms, watching musicals, dancing in the kitchen, singing in the car, and playing Wipeout on his granddaughter's drum kit. He was a night owl who loved staying up late watching classic monster movies and westerns. If you knew Jim, you know he loved calling everyone 'Rufus' or 'Elvis' and loved cracking jokes at every opportunity.

He taught us that real strength is about leading with love and courage. Real strength is being willing to try, but also knowing when you've reached your limit. Strength can be gentle and kind.

Jim was the strongest man in all our lives.

James was preceded in death by his father, James D. King; his mother, Evelyn King; his son, James W. King Jr.; his wife, Linda King; and his four older brothers.

James is survived by his son, Michael King Sr., and his partner Mary Guillerault; his daughter Melissa and her husband Eric Donegan; his partner, Denise Foster; his grandchildren, Clarissa Miller and her husband Max; Michael King Jr., Eric Donegan Jr., Mandi Donegan; his bonus grandchildren, JP Guillerault, Antonie Guillerault, Mathieu Guillerault, Randy Lamb, JR Lamb; and his great grandchildren Mikhaila King, and baby Miller who is still on the way

A graveside service will take place at 1PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Southern Maine Veterans' Cemetery in Springvale, ME.

To view James' memorial page or leave an online condolence please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com