James Alonzo King, Jr.

James Alonzo King, Jr. was born on July 30, 1961, to the late James Alonzo, Sr. and Doris Victoria Vaughn in Washington, DC.  He was the oldest son of seven children in the family.

He grew up in the Garfield area of Southeast Washington, D.C. and was educated in the District of Columbia public school system. He graduated from Bell Vocational High School where his interest in electricity was sparked. James was an exceptionally skilled electrician, employed by the District of Columbia public schools and also for the government for more than 32 years before retiring in 2016. He excelled in his profession and established long term relationships with many of his clients.

James accepted Christ at an early age at Liberty Baptist Church where he was baptized. He also sang in the youth choir, which fostered his love for old gospel hymns. James loved the Lord and he read his Bible. He often asked for clarity of scripture that he didn't understand. His favorite scripture was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." James later joined Queen's Chapel United Methodist Church in Beltsville, Maryland where he enjoyed chaperoning the Youth Retreats in Ocean City, Maryland and volunteering with the Homeless Ministry.

James met the love of his life, Eliza Bethune one evening when he was attending a gathering with friends, which was an unforgettable moment. James and Eliza were married in July 1991 and from this union their son Jamal and a daughter Janae were born. Family was everything to James and he loved them dearly. He showed his devotion and love for Eliza by encouraging and giving her his full support as a wife, mother, as well as in her career. "Sleep on dear husband; take your rest. I love you but God loves you best".

James was always proud of Jamal and Janae's accomplishments. He consistently encouraged his children to do their very best, to put God first, to better themselves with a good education and seek new adventures. His home was the gathering place for-many family events. Often­ times, hosting family gatherings, showing off his "grilling skills" and putting a smile on the faces of all he encountered. He had a huge heart and an uncanny ability to touch peoples' lives by giving advice, lending a hand, showing a smile and exuding a contagious laughter that affected everyone by his entertaining sense of humor.

An avid sports fan, James loved all sports especially football, basketball, baseball, golf and tennis. He was a huge Redskins and 49ers fan. If you did not know better, you would have thought that he was at each game due to his high level of enthusiasm and his reaction to a great play or bad call, while sitting in his favorite chair in the family room. He had a boisterous voice - in other words he was LOUD!

On Tuesday, November 16, 2021, James answered God's call to enter eternity. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alonzo King, Sr. and Doris Victoria Vaughn, his son Terrell Seals and brother John King.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved devoted wife of 30 years, Eliza; two children Jamal and Janae; four sisters, Victoria Clements, Mary Riddick (Eddie), Esther Jones and Joyce King; one brother Charles King (Tiny) and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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