James A. King, age 86, of Hudson, WI, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2016.

Jim was born on April 5, 1930 in Wichita, KS to Hurley King and Ida (Carrigan) King. He grew up in River Falls and graduated from River Falls High School, the class of 1948. Following his graduation, Jim and his lifelong friend, Ed Mathys, decided to enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves. Jim had a long and proud 29-year career with the military from 1947-1976, beginning with the Naval Reserves, transitioning to the Air Force, and ending with the WI Army National Guard. He was immensely proud of his time in the military, and loved sharing his stories with his family, friends and anyone with an open ear. His passion for the military even inspired his granddaughter to enlist in the Army National Guard.

On August 8, 1953, he was united in marriage to Marie Rosella Moelter at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls, a loving union that was blessed with four children: Geri, Dar, David, and Ron. The family settled in North Hudson and when his children were older, Jim and Marie moved to a home on Big Blake Lake north of Amery, WI., to enjoy the quietness of the outdoors and lake life. In their final years, the two moved back to their home in North Hudson to be closer to family.

When not with family, Jim was passionate about ham radios and was a member of the WI Weather Net, reporting the North Hudson and Big Blake Lake weather every morning, using his call letters of “K9HDF.” Later in life, he took great pleasure in reading military themed books. His favorite author was Lee Childs.

Jim was an incredibly loving and generous husband and father. His upbeat personality and constant smile brought so much joy to those around him. Whenever asked how he was doing, he often responded with “Super Duper!” and always greeted you with a big hug. He was a strong man with a dedication to faith and family. His genuine happiness and big smile will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marie; children: Geri (Ron) Keller, Dar (Gary) Paquin, David (Gina) King, and Ron (Jean Tesar) King; grandchildren: Rusty & Dusty Keller, Tiffany (Kelly) George, Christi (Zach) Westlund, Tristen Paquin, Brandon King, Jessica King, and Jamie (Brandon) Kidder; great-grandchildren: Ethan King, Braden & Alexis Westlund, Mira Keller, and James & Austin Kidder; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Hurley King; step-father, Charlie Purfeerst; and mother, Ida (Carrigan) Purfeerst.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson WI, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family interment at Mann Valley Cemetery in River Falls, WI.

The family would like to give a special thanks to staff and friends at Wintergreen and Christian Community Homes of Hudson, who were so great to Jim and for all of the love, kindness, and care that was given to him.