James King, 82

James (Jim) R. King of Vicksburg passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the age of 82.

Jim was born on May 23, 1942 in Three Rivers to Herbert R. and Hattie C. (Hagerman) King. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1960.

After graduating from high school, Jim began his career at Production Tool in Three Rivers where he earned his apprenticeship in tool and die. From there he continued in the tool and die industry at Spring Tool Company in Schoolcraft. While working at Spring Tool, Jim began a small side business that eventually resulted in his decision to leave Spring Tool to pursue a partnership with colleague and friend, Richard Harden. Together they founded XL Machine Company Incorporated in 1976. Jim poured his heart and soul into the company and surrounded himself with a loyal staff that he respected and admired. Jim sold XL Machine and retired in 2012.

Jim’s hobbies included boating, car restoration, and drag racing. For several years he spent weekends enjoying his boat at his place in Saugatuck. On a vacation to Venice, Florida in 1988, Jim met boat captain, Marco Gaona. This resulted in a great friendship as well as Jim’s love of deep-sea fishing. Many wonderful times were had with family, friends and associates aboard the Summer Time Lady II. Jim had a wonderful talent for fabricating and designing custom parts for cars. This skill combined with the mechanical prowess of good friend and brother-in-law, Lynn Haye, resulted in unique vehicles and much admiration at car shows. Once fully retired, Jim King Racing was born, turning his passion for the sport into family time with his sons Dennis and Darren as drivers and close friends Robert and Will Prater as the lead mechanics.

Jim’s family meant the world to him. He offered love, unwavering support, excellent advice, and gentle guidance throughout his life. Countless memories and evidence of a life well lived brings comfort and solace at this difficult time.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert King, mother, Hattie King, and his grandson, Matthew King.

He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Laura) King and Darren (Roxanne) King; grandchildren, Stephanie (Kristin) King, Brittney (Robert) Lammott, and Barrett King; great-grandchildren, Olen Rifenberg and Weston Lammott; sister, Ruth (Harry) Guess; nieces and nephews, Cindy (Christopher) Mora, Christopher (Mihaela) Guess, David (Crystal) Guess, and Kim Guess; as well as several great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Rock at Big Fish Lake restaurant, 14625 Loveridge Street, Marcellus.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be given to the St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund.