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KING -- James L. An accident claimed the life of James L. King, longtime Albuquerque resident, on May 3, 2008. Jim was born June 28, 1920 on a cotton farm and cattle ranch in Saltillo, Texas. He left home in early 1939 to join the Civilian Conservation Corps, where he served in Arizona and Colorado, constructing trails and fighting forest fires. In late 1939 to enlisted in the US Navy. He sent home most of his pay to help his family. Early in his Navy career he became one of the first men trained in RADAR, a new technological innovation at the time. After serving on the USS Pensacola, Jim was aboard the USS San Francisco in Pearl Harbor during the attack on December 7, 1941. He served in Argus Unit One at Woodlark Naval Station in New Guinea. While there, he led his unit to build and maintain the land-based radar station that provided early warning of Japanese air attacks. For his outstanding service, he received the Presidential Unit Citation and was field promoted to Ensign. He was later promoted to Lieutenant JG and served as Radio and Radar officer on the USS Jason. He earned numerous ribbons and battle stars. In later years, Jim was an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors' Association. In 1946, Jim left the Navy and became a radar technician at what is now the Federal Aviation Administration. He served in various capacities in Louisiana and Texas. He progressed to Electronics Engineer and other leadership positions, culminating in 1963 as the Airways Facilities Sector Manager in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His sector installed and maintained the national airspace system in the southwestern United States, which includes air traffic control, radar, instrument landing systems, electronic navigation and communication systems. In his capacity as Area Coordinator for the FAA, he worked with mayors and other key municipal and state officials, airport board members and the airport manager. In 1975 he became the first recipient in the Southwest of the Distinguished Career Service Award of the U. S. Department of Transportation. After his retirement in 1975 he pursued a successful third career as an associate broker with Hooten Stahl Real Estate Agency. Jim, a curious and creative person, lived his life to the fullest every day. He built and flew his own airplane, designed and constructed a cabin in Colorado, built stereo systems and painted in oils. He was a longtime pilot and a member of the Ancient and Sacred Order of Quiet Birdmen. He held single and multi-engine commercial pilot's licenses with Instrument and Instructor ratings. He was a Captain and Pilot in the Civil Air Patrol. Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker and outdoorsman, an expert skier, and a frequent golfer. He was a loyal and caring friend and a faithful church member, serving as deacon and elder in various churches including Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque. He was a go-to guy for anyone who needed help. He would fix your car, fly you to your mother's sickbed, rescue you from a mountain trail, give you a place to stay, help you find a job, lend you support or money. He never missed the opportunity to attend anything his daughter wanted him to because always found time for his family. He and his beloved wife, Eudy, loved to travel and play games. During the world exploration phase of their lives they made numerous trips overseas and in North and Central America. Jim never met a stranger and enjoyed the friends he made during his life's travels. Jim was married for 62 years to Eudora Culley, who predeceased him. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Leamon and Alice King of Saltillo, Texas, and his brothers, Edward and Wesley King. He is survived by his daughter, Judy, and son-in-law Patrick Villella of Albuquerque, his brother Bob King and wife Edna of Saltillo, Texas, his sister Billie Rose Marable of Franklin, Texas, his aunt Jewel McAfee of Saltillo, and his uncle, C. W. DeShazo of Sheridan, TX. He will be missed by his family and his many friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2008. Donations may be made to your favorite charity.
        Published on: Thu May 15, 2008