James "Jim" Edward King

James Edward King, 95, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He was born on January 23, 1930, in Thaxton, VA. After he graduated from Montvale High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army for 20 years. He lived all over the United States as well as Germany before settling in Woodbridge, VA. His career in the Army was followed by 18 years of service to the U.S. Capitol Police Force in Washington, DC.

After retiring from the police force, James and Mary Frances settled in his hometown of Bedford, VA. James was an active member of Thaxton Baptist Church. He served as a deacon for 10 years as well as treasurer. He also volunteered with Bedford Ride, driving the elderly to appointments. In his spare time, James loved the outdoors. He enjoyed planting a garden each year and sharing his harvest with friends and family. He loved watching the deer from his backyard as well as the birds that would eat from his bird feeder.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Frances, of 70+ years, he is survived by his son Jeff King (Angela); his daughter, Raquel Kern (Kevin); his grandchildren, Lauren (Matthew) McKee, Daniel (Brittany) Kern, and Stephanie (Dustin) Gray; as well as great grandchildren, Emma Grace, Hadley McKee, Eleonora and Owen Gray.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers.

The family will receive friends at Tharp Funeral Home on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Tharp Funeral Home at 12:30 pm on Saturday August 23, 2025, burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.