James "Jim" Conroy King

James “Jim” Conroy King, 89, of Haskell, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at home surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am, Saturday, September 27, 2025 at St. George Catholic Church with Rev. John Peter Santhanppan officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Cemetery under the direction of Haskell Funeral Home, 2 Avenue D. A rosary will be held 6pm, Friday, September 26, 2025 at St. George Catholic Church. Viewing will be Thursday and Friday at Haskell Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at www.haskellfuneralhometx.com.

Jim was born August 1, 1936 in Norwich, CT the son of the late Irene Louise MarcAurele King and John Joseph King. On May 12, 1979, he married Victoria Irene Gregoire in Coventry, CT, who preceded him in death January 10, 2025.

Jim proudly served his country in three branches of the military: the United States Marine Corps, the Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honored with multiple Good Conduct and National Defense medals. His work as a crew chief and aircraft mechanic took him across the globe, and he often said God was with him through more than one close call in the air. Later in life, he joined the American Legion in Haskell, where he dedicated countless hours to organizing and running bingo nights.

Following his military service, Jim devoted his career to aerospace and defense, contributing to projects for General Dynamics, Pratt & Whitney, and the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs with NASA. In 1988, he was awarded the prestigious “Silver Snoopy” award by NASA astronauts for his excellence and dedication.

Outside of his technical career, Jim also loved music and dancing. For a time, he worked as a dance instructor at the American Dance Studio in Kansas City, Missouri.

For several years, Jim and his wife Vicci served on the Connecticut River Powwow Society Board, helping to plan and host powwows and other Native events. From tending the fire, to feeding hundreds of people with buffalo stew, Jim was always in the middle of it all.

In 1992, Jim and Vicci retired to Haskell, Texas, where Jim became an active member of St. George Catholic Church. He served on the parish council, assisted with readings, and supported parish fundraisers, including the annual Jamaica’s. As a Eucharistic minister and member of the Legion of Mary, he regularly visited hospitals and nursing homes in Haskell and Abilene, bringing comfort and companionship to many. While living in Abilene, Jim and Vicci attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where they faithfully operated the Loaves and Fishes food pantry for ten years.

Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Marc King and wife Michelle of Victoria; Tina King-Stepp and husband Billy of Beeville; Randy King of Throckmorton; Maria Loya and husband Danny of Abilene; Sherri Olden of Haskell; Donny Rock and wife Laura of Marble Falls; grandchildren, Justin King, Olivia Harvey, Logan King, Gaby King, Cameron Jackson, Kevin Jackson, Gage King, Lauren Young, Crystal Saling, Phillip Cook, Tiphanie Leal, Heather Vasquez, Nicholas Cook, Billy W. Stepp, Christina Markunas Isbell, Eric Markunas, Autuam Olden, Cody Olden, Seth Rock, Melisa Rock; 29 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; a host of dear friends, and of course his FAVORITE child - his shih tzu, Eva Marie.