James Ernest King

Mr. James Ernest King, 93, died Sunday, May 9, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital North MS in Oxford. The funeral service will be Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Dr. Charles Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in Yellow Leaf Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 12:00 noon in West Hall at Waller Funeral Home.

Born to the late James Eber and Beulah McCain King, Mr. King was a lifelong resident of Lafayette County and honorably served his country as a Seaman 2nd Class in the United States Navy. His work ethic was admirable as he set the standard for an honest day’s work tending to his cattle as a dairy farmer.  His hard work and long days were recognized by his colleagues in the industry with the title of “Cattleman of The Year”. He continued working after most of his peers retired and was the last Grade A dairy farmer in Lafayette County.  Mr. King was a longtime member of New Prospect Baptist Church and his faith and trust in the Lord steered all aspects of his life. He and his wife, Wilma were deeply in love and content with their quiet life working and raising their family. Their dedication to caring for their son, Tim was unprecedented during a time when Down Syndrome was not fully understood. Their commitment to keeping Tim in their home and continuing his care into adulthood was not a decision that was easily understood by many, but they never wavered in their devotion to their son.  Their church family and pastor were great sources of encouragement and reinforcement that all children are gifts from God. This God fearing and selfness trait spilled over into all aspects of Mr. King’s life. As a true southern gentleman, he was humble but confident and always willing to help anyone in need.

Mr. King is survived by his daughter, Susan King Morton and her husband, Danny of Oxford, MS; grandchildren, Daniel Morton and his wife, Maggie of Moorville, MS, Phillip Morton and his wife, Tyler of Saltillo, MS; great-grandchild, Brylee Morton as well as his extended family he loved, Billy Ray, Paula, Sarah, Molly and Harris Brown.

In addition to his parents, Mr. King was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Sparks and his son, Tim King. Susan feels great joy imagining their perfect reunion in Heaven.

Memorial contributions in Mr. King’s memory may be made to Yellow Leaf Cemetery Fund, c/o Martha May, 221 Hwy 334, Oxford, MS 38655.