I ask an indulgement from our readers. A friend and Brother has passed away and I'd like to take just a moment to recognize and honor him.
Jim King was a loyal alumnus and I remember him from my early days in the fraternity in the mid '70s. He would often make the 250 mile trip from Atlanta to Knoxville for football games and alumni gatherings. He was always in the middle of things entertaining us with stories of his world travels or sharing the latest jokes.
Jim was never a 'player' at the National Sig Ep Fraternity level. He preferred to concentrate his efforts where he got his start - Tennessee Alpha. When Tennessee Alpha started its chapter scholarship fund in the 80's Jim was an early, enthusiastic, and generous supporter. In 1998 the "James O. King" named scholarship was established in his honor.
We will miss his wit, his support, his loyalty, and above all, his spirit.
From the Atlanta "Journal-Constitution"James King
James O. King, 82, of Alpharetta, died February 26, 2005.
Jim graduated with a Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1950 where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa and Scarabbean Society. After graduation he went to work for Diamond Alkali Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1970 he founded Regal Chemical Co., now located in Alpharetta, GA. Under Mr. King's leadership, Regal has grown into a highly successful national specialty agricultural chemical company. He was a lifelong supporter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tennessee Alpha Chapter, and helped establish the alumni scholarship fund for the University of Tennessee Chapter. In 1998 the James O. King scholarship was first awarded for academic and leadership excellence.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial gifts may be made to the Sigma Phi Epsilon Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 3222, Knoxville, TN, 37390, The American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2/28/2005.
Atlanta, Georgia news | Atlanta Journal-Constitution - James King
Update - A backgound article with history about Jim and Regal Chemical
Update 2 - Obituary from "Lawn & Landscape" Magazine.
