James "Jim" Randolph King's Obituary
James Randolph King passed away April 29, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, AR. He was born October 16, 1937, in Washington, DC to George King and Hazel Clark King. His father was an FBI agent so the family was moved around the country for several years. They finally landed in Birmingham, Alabama where he graduated from high school in 1955. He received a NROTC scholarship to Auburn University with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959. He was commissioned, and assigned to the USS Springfield, the Sixth Fleet Flagship, homeported in Villefranche-sur-mer, France. Following three years of service, Jim returned to the States and went to work for Collins Radio Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In 1973 Rockwell International acquired Collins. At that time Jim was an engineering director. In 1980 he received his Masters Degree in Business from the University of Iowa. Jim became Vice President of engineering, and subsequently, Vice President and General Manager of one of the major divisions of Rockwell Collins.
Jim married Patricia Carlisle Mosbaugh in June,1989. They shared a wonderful life together and were the love of each other’s lives. They shared the love of cats. Any stray was always welcomed and cared for.
In 1990 Jim accepted a position directing Collins Commercial Avionics products and transferred from Cedar Rapids, IA to Melbourne, FL. He retired from Rockwell Collins in 1994 after 32 years with of service. During his time with Rockwell he was granted three electrical engineering patents.
Although Jim retired from Rockwell Collins in a management position his passion was electrical engineering. After living in Melbourne for 11 years, he and Pat were missing the four seasons. They moved to Rogers, AR at Beaver Lake to enjoy his boat and fishing.
Jim enjoyed many activities and hobbies through out his life. He perused each with an intense focus and passion, excelling at each project. He was an excellent wood worker and wood turner and a member of Stateline Woodturners Club for 20 years. Many friends and family received beautiful bowls, salt and pepper mills, Christmas ornaments and other turned products. He loved playing his guitar and singing with the group at the Adult Wellness Center in Rogers. He would play and sing for anyone that would listen. He even hand built a beautiful guitar. Jim and Pat were avid RVers and traveled most of the United States and Canada. They belonged to the Ozark Ridge Runners RV club and had made wonderful friends and memorable trips with the group.
Being very mechanical and electrical inclined he could fix almost anything to the delight for friends of and family.
Jim was proceeded in in death by his parents, brother, Robert King and son James (Randy) R. King. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Carlisle King, two daughters, Jill Florian of Herrin, IL and Sara Maxfield (Robert) of Rivera Beach, FL. and two bonus children David Mosbaugh (Kim), Anamosa, IA and Lori Skeie of Bella Vista, AR. He has 4 grandchildren, Sydney (Christian) Vias, Cordova, TN, Camille Marrs, New York, Avery Marrs, Rivera Beach, FL, Connor Florian, Herrin, IL, and one great-granddaughter. Four bonus grandchildren, Taylor (Don) Dee, Des Moines, IA, Ryan (Jessica) Flood, Colorado Springs, CO, Morgen Mosbaugh, Cedar Rapids, IA and Clay Skeie, Bella Vista, AR. and 3 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 1:00 on May 9, 2023 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, 100 South 28th St., Rogers, AR. A reception will be held following the services.
The family requests that donations in Jim’s memory be made to Lakeside Sanctuary, Kathern Samples, Northwest Arkansas Cat Clinic, 1031 W. Walnut, Rogers, AR 72756
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