James Bernard 'Jim' King

JAMES BERNARD ‘JIM’ KING

MUSCATINE, Iowa – James Bernard “Jim” King, 93, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away on March 6, 2026. He was born on November 2, 1932, in Nichols, Iowa, to Clarence and Bonita (Lorber) King.

Jim attended a rural one-room schoolhouse until 8th grade when transferred to Muscatine High School where he graduated in 1951.  He distinguished himself on the football field and received awards for his performance. His talent earned him multiple Division I football scholarship offers, but he declined them, choosing instead to pursue the life he loved—farming.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War. After returning home, he dedicated his life to agriculture and building the family farm. In his early years he worked tirelessly to establish the operation. A skilled carpenter and mechanic, Jim bought his own sawmill, cut his own lumber, and constructed sheds while also repairing and maintaining the farm equipment. To help support the farm and his family, he also hauled livestock in the early years and was proud to say he never received a speeding ticket in all his life. He farmed in partnership with his brother, Ronald, until his passing in 1986.

On January 27, 1973, he married Marilyn (Oberhaus) King. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work and had four children: Jason, Jon, Jerry, and Julie. Jim was a member of St. Mary & Mathias Catholic Church.

Jim enjoyed traveling, and there are many fond family memories of trips taken together over the years, including multiple trips to Minnesota to spend time with extended family. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and spent many hours in his woodshop crafting detailed replicas of farm equipment and vehicles. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn King; his children, Jon (Sarah) King and Julie (Andy) Martin; and his five cherished grandchildren, Kirk, Emily, Kaleb, Owen, and Brent.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bonita (Lorber) King; his brother, Ronald (Phyllis) King; his sister, Joyce (Merle) Rock; and two sons, Jason King and Jerry King.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, deep love of farming, and the pride he took in building things with his own hands. His greatest joy was his family, and the values of hard work, humility, and dedication that he lived by will continue on through the generations who were fortunate to learn from him.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic Church, Muscatine Arboretum Association, or the VFW. Online Condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic Church. The Reverend Chris Weber will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kirk Martin, Emily King, Kaleb Martin, Owen King, and Brent Martin.

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