James King
Jim King, lifelong Shullsburg resident, passed from this life on November 3, 2022, shortly before his 97th birthday. He was the eldest son of Eliza and Ilo King. Jim attended Levitt School in Monticello Township and graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1944. On December 4, 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Mavis Teasdale at Centenary Methodist Church in Shullsburg. Their family grew to include twodaughters, Karen and Gayle. Family was always Jim’s top priority. He was a loving husband and father,always placing the needs of his family ahead of his own. Jim also treasured and maintained contact with his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Together, Jim and Mavis farmed in the Shullsburg area until 1982, when they sold their farm and built their house on West Estey Street. Jim then worked in the seed corn business with his friend, Joe Francis. He also provided custom agriculture services to farmers in southwest Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In addition, on snowy winter days, many Shullsburg residents depended on Jim to plow their driveways. Always ready to lend a helping hand, it was a task he was happy to do into his late 80s.
Locating their home on West Estey, across from Badger Park, was the perfect spot for the “people person” that Jim was. The activities of the town were right at his front door. If children were around, so much the better! That extra chair beside him at Music in the Park was a purposeful invite to sit and chat. It made his day when someone would stop for a quick hello or stay for an hours-long visit. Jim was always happy to offer guests cookies and a cup of cider—a trait he may have inherited from his mother!
His dedication to community is apparent as Jim held memberships and leadership roles for decades in the United Methodist Church, Shullsburg Lions Club, FFA Alumni Club, Evergreen Cemetery Board, and SHS Alumni Board. After buying a 1935 rumble-seat Ford, Jim and Mavis joined the Yester Year Car Club in 1977. Through the years, members of the club became cherished friends as they enjoyed a variety of interesting tours and shared car stories over potluck dinners. Jim and Mavis especially loved hosting CarClub friends at their house after participating in the July 4th parade each year!
How very fortunate are we, Jim’s family and friends, to have enjoyed his gifts of love for nearly a century. May we use them wisely.
Jim will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his two daughters: Karen Grace of Elkhart Lake, WI and Gayle Stoycheff (Jim) of Waterloo, IA; two granddaughters: Elizabeth Stoycheff (Ralph Plumley) of Birmingham, MI and Lindsey Stoycheff (Paul Sanford) of Carlsbad, CA; one great granddaughter: Charlott Stoycheff of Birmingham, MI; and his brother and sister-in-law John and JoAnn Weiskircher of Shullsburg. Several cousins, 22 nieces and nephews and many dear friends will also miss his warm, caring presence.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mavis in 2005, two brothers: Bob and Howard King, and son-in-law: Dennis Grace.
Funeral services for James King will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Centenary United Methodist Church (226 W. Church St., Shullsburg) at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2022 at the Erickson Funeral Home in Shullsburg (235 North Judgement Street, Shullsburg, WI 53586) from 4:00-7:00 PM and on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Centenary United Methodist Church from 10:00 AM until time of service. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. The Erickson Funeral Home in Shullsburg is serving the family.
Jim’s family would like to recognize the loving care and support provided by Epione Pavilion staff, Dr. White and Hospice of Dubuque. We are also especially grateful to his many friends and relatives whose letters, calls and visits brightened his days and warmed all of our hearts.
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