James O. “Jim” King, Jr., 63, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 with his family by his side.
Born in Louisville on October 9, 1951 to Rose and James King, Sr., Jim attended St. Raphael Parish School and graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1969. He attended the University of Louisville, majoring in accounting and graduating in 1973 with academic honors.
Jim was self-made beginning with his long career at the Henry Vogt Machine Company as a production expediter while in college. In 1975, Jim joined the staff at Ernst and Ernst (now Ernst and Young), and in 1976, he earned his certified public accountant designation, rising to the position of audit supervisor.
In 1981, he founded his own firm, King and Company, PSC, focusing on specialized bank auditing and consulting. Jim championed the then new technology of personal computers and spreadsheet software, positioning him as a leading local expert on bank holding company formations for Kentucky banks. Jim’s early work with banks led to his acquisition of a small Nelson County bank in 1987 that became King Southern Bank and now has six locations in Louisville and over $180 million in assets.
An enthusiastic, committed and tireless supporter of his hometown, Jim served his community in countless ways – most notably as District 10 representative on the Louisville Metro Council beginning with his election to the Council in 2004. The very next year, he was elected Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and in 2006 and 2007 he was elected and re-elected Chair of the Caucus and Majority Leader of the Council. In his fourth year councilman, Jim was elected president of the Louisville Metro Council. During his first year as president, he spearheaded unparalleled bipartisan cooperation as well as establishing government accountability through committee restructuring. In addition, he tapped into his experience as a CEO and team leader to improve staff morale, increase efficiencies and identify budget savings. Jim’s technical training as a CPA allowed him to lead the Council in budgeting and accounting matters. Jim was first elected Council president in 2008, then again in 2011, 2012, 2013 – an unprecedented four times – including his most recent re-election in early January 2015, prior to his death.
Jim served on the boards of the Louisville Arena Authority, the University of Louisville Athletic Association, the University of Louisville Board of Overseers, the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Louisville Orchestra, Simmons College, and was a former board member of the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana and the Frankfort Avenue Business Association. Additionally, Jim served as chairman of both the Community Bankers Association of Kentucky and the Kentucky Bankers Association. His community service included being named to the 2007 Transition Team for Governor Steve Beshear, serving as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Louisville College of Business and Public Administration, serving as independent accountant of the Louisville Ballet, and he was the former chairman of the Assumption High School Development Council. Jim also served as the coach for Germantown Baseball from 2003 – 2005, and coached nine youth teams in soccer and T-ball for Highland Youth Recreation.
He was a lifelong member of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, a charter member of Valhalla Golf Club, a member of Audubon Country Club, the St. Joseph’s Orphan Society, Churchill Downs Turf Club, the Notre Dame Club of Kentucky, Willis Masonic Lodge (32nd degree) and Kosair Shrine.
Jim will forever be remembered by his family, friends and colleagues for his direct approach and style of leadership, management and communication. He was a generous, loyal and devoted family man and a committed public servant to not only his District 10 constituents but to his community and region. Jim was most proud of his nine grandchildren and cherished spending time with them – particularly during their annual trips to Snowshoe, West Virginia; Destin, Florida; Harbor Springs, MI and Walt Disney World. Additionally, he took incredible pride in his countless contributions to the University of Louisville and enjoyed watching the University of Louisville Cardinal basketball and football teams with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Debbie; his children Tracy King Plumeri (John), Jimmy King (Cara), Katie King, and his stepson, Matt Reed. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; Tyler Plumeri, Carly Plumeri, Trey Plumeri, Peyton Plumeri, Kailey King, Jimmy King IV, John Patrick Reed, Samuel Reed and Camryn King Curry; his siblings; Suzanne Hagan (JC), Marilyn Hankins, Theda Adkins (D.K.), Debby King-Nold (Mike), Rebecca Hilb, Valerie Topmiller (Jim), John King (Terri); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Monday January 19, 2015 at 10:00am at St. Raphael the Archangel Church, 2141 Lancashire Avenue. Visitation will be on Saturday January 17, 2015 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm and Sunday January 18, 2015 from 12:00pm -8:00pm at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to The Louisville Zoo Foundation, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, Kentucky 40213; The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 301 East Main Street, Suite 100, Louisville, Kentucky 40202; YMCA Safe Place Services, 2400 Crittenden Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40217; or The Louisville Orchestra, 323 West Broadway, Suite 700, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.

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