James Travis King, Jr.

James Travis King, Jr. (Jimmy), 89, of Hazen, met his Lord and Savior on May 3, 2023. Jimmy was under the care of hospice at Baptist Health Medical Center in Stuttgart. Jimmy, born October 2, 1933, was the only son of Jim and Allie (Glick) King. He grew up on the King family farm North of Hazen. Jimmy, and his loving wife Doris, later raised their family on the same farm.

He was a proud 1952 graduate of Hazen High School and a retired veteran of the Arkansas National Guard, 39th Infantry Division. He was a longtime member and usher of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Jimmy and Doris were married on a snowy New Year’s Eve in 1960. They celebrated 62 years this past December.

Jimmy was employed for 34 years at Producers Rice Mill in Stuttgart and retired as a respected manager of Dryer #4. Harvest was his favorite time of year. Jimmy loved visiting with all the farmers and teaching his workers how to do the best job they could. He had a strong work ethic and rarely missed a day of work.

Jimmy also kept the family farm operational and boasted he “grew the tallest soybeans in the county”.  He raised beef cattle, pigs, chickens and was an avid gardener.  He successfully propagated dozens of catalpa trees and harvested the worms for use and sale.  Jimmy believed the worms were the best fish bait available.  Jimmy and Doris worked together to make their farm a success.  He greatly loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jimmy was a true outdoorsman.  He and Doris loved fishing, from crappie to trout, and they passed on their love for fishing to their children and grandchildren.  He was a constant hunter and believed that if it was killed, it was eaten.  Whether a deer, rabbit, squirrel, duck or bullfrog, Jimmy knew how to hunt for his family.  Doris would then create a delectable meal.

Jimmy is survived by his spouse, Doris Vanlandingham King of Hazen, son, Carl King (Elesha) of Russellville, daughter, Alisa Spellman (James) of Cabot, daughter, Sandi Carlock (Tony) of Stuttgart, seven grandchildren, Amanda Midkiff (Joseph), Sara Schafer (Lee), Christy Watson (Cody), Drake Levey (Lauren), Bryan King, Jared King and Bentley Carlock, four great-grandchildren, Vada, Clementine, Koen and Dawson, and two faithful and adoring dogs, Blu and Bo.

Visitation and services will be held at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hazen on May 5, 2023. Visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 am, funeral services at 11:00 am with family luncheon directly following services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Calvary Missionary Baptist Youth Group.