Timothy Alan “Tim” King
December 15th, 1957 - August 24th, 2024
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Tim's Obituary
Timothy Alan King, 66, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away August 24, 2024, his life prematurely ended by a two-year battle with glioblastoma.
The second of 3 children, Tim was born December 15, 1957, in Marion, Indiana, to Buddy Jr. King and Bettie Riddle King. They relocated to St. Joseph, Michigan in 1968.
A man of many talents, he generously shared his knowledge. He was a dedicated and skilled musician, playing soprano and tenor saxes, and stand-up bass with multiple bands (Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, Jim Cooper Combo, Spectrum, Mister Edd, Four Spacious Guys, to name just a few). He taught clarinet and saxophone at the Citadel in Benton Harbor. He had great respect for his fellow band mates, his teachers and mentors throughout his life. For over 35 years he operated a music and recording service, LTD Music Productions, providing sound, lighting, and audio-visual support for community events and music festivals, along with recording and producing countless musical performances.
Tim worked for American Electric Power (AEP) for 30 years. After retiring, he returned to Lake Michigan College to finish associate degrees in graphic design and industrial technology. He worked for Bridgman Public Schools as a substitute bus driver. He loved it when preschoolers climbed on the bus, greeting him with, “Good morning, Mrs. King.” He was also the Performing Arts Center Director at Bridgman High School for several years. In 2018, he was recruited to work once again for AEP. His motto was, “Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it again,” an adage learned from his dad. Close friends dubbed him “Woodsman Tim” because he found solutions to many unsolvable problems. Tim lived a life of service, willing to offer assistance to friends and strangers alike. He had a great wit and sense of humor, loved playing games and socializing. If you were fortunate enough to be Tim’s friend, you were in an exclusive lifelong club.
In “spare” time, Tim and Joni spent weekends traveling to Michigan and Indiana parks and lakes, fishing from the pontoon that they pulled behind their 5th wheel camper. Tim patiently baited Joni’s hooks, then happily prepared and ate the fish she caught for him.
Tim is survived by his wife, Joanne (Snell) King, son, Elia (Dena) King, beloved grandchildren, Ellie and Anderson, brother Joe (Angie) King and sister Kelly (John) Thornsberry. Nephews Ryan King, Kevin King, nieces Erin Maruzella and Lauren Flores, great nieces and nephews Cecelia and Menzie King, Landon and Scarlett Flores, cousins Pam Garrison, Barry King, Jamee King, Rick King, Gretchen Littlefield, Kim Mitchell, and Jeff Riddle.
He is preceded in death by his father, Buddy Jr. King and Bettie (Riddle) King and his musical brother, Dave Maki.
Tim requested cremation with no memorial service. The family will be planning a musical celebration of his life in the future. Donations in his honor can be made to the Citadel Dance & Music Center by contacting Susan Deitrich-Reed by email at deitrichreed@citadeldmc.org or by phone at 269-925-1099.
Tim would like to be remembered as a good person who didn’t cause a fuss. His family, who adored him, would like him to be remembered as an ethical, one-of-a-kind man of talent and humility, and one of the very best citizens of his generation. His legacy is not measured in his accomplishments, but in the lives he touched and the respect he inspired. The music he played continues to echo, never-ending.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starkfamilyfh.com.
The second of 3 children, Tim was born December 15, 1957, in Marion, Indiana, to Buddy Jr. King and Bettie Riddle King. They relocated to St. Joseph, Michigan in 1968.
A man of many talents, he generously shared his knowledge. He was a dedicated and skilled musician, playing soprano and tenor saxes, and stand-up bass with multiple bands (Lake Effect Jazz Big Band, Jim Cooper Combo, Spectrum, Mister Edd, Four Spacious Guys, to name just a few). He taught clarinet and saxophone at the Citadel in Benton Harbor. He had great respect for his fellow band mates, his teachers and mentors throughout his life. For over 35 years he operated a music and recording service, LTD Music Productions, providing sound, lighting, and audio-visual support for community events and music festivals, along with recording and producing countless musical performances.
Tim worked for American Electric Power (AEP) for 30 years. After retiring, he returned to Lake Michigan College to finish associate degrees in graphic design and industrial technology. He worked for Bridgman Public Schools as a substitute bus driver. He loved it when preschoolers climbed on the bus, greeting him with, “Good morning, Mrs. King.” He was also the Performing Arts Center Director at Bridgman High School for several years. In 2018, he was recruited to work once again for AEP. His motto was, “Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it again,” an adage learned from his dad. Close friends dubbed him “Woodsman Tim” because he found solutions to many unsolvable problems. Tim lived a life of service, willing to offer assistance to friends and strangers alike. He had a great wit and sense of humor, loved playing games and socializing. If you were fortunate enough to be Tim’s friend, you were in an exclusive lifelong club.
In “spare” time, Tim and Joni spent weekends traveling to Michigan and Indiana parks and lakes, fishing from the pontoon that they pulled behind their 5th wheel camper. Tim patiently baited Joni’s hooks, then happily prepared and ate the fish she caught for him.
Tim is survived by his wife, Joanne (Snell) King, son, Elia (Dena) King, beloved grandchildren, Ellie and Anderson, brother Joe (Angie) King and sister Kelly (John) Thornsberry. Nephews Ryan King, Kevin King, nieces Erin Maruzella and Lauren Flores, great nieces and nephews Cecelia and Menzie King, Landon and Scarlett Flores, cousins Pam Garrison, Barry King, Jamee King, Rick King, Gretchen Littlefield, Kim Mitchell, and Jeff Riddle.
He is preceded in death by his father, Buddy Jr. King and Bettie (Riddle) King and his musical brother, Dave Maki.
Tim requested cremation with no memorial service. The family will be planning a musical celebration of his life in the future. Donations in his honor can be made to the Citadel Dance & Music Center by contacting Susan Deitrich-Reed by email at deitrichreed@citadeldmc.org or by phone at 269-925-1099.
Tim would like to be remembered as a good person who didn’t cause a fuss. His family, who adored him, would like him to be remembered as an ethical, one-of-a-kind man of talent and humility, and one of the very best citizens of his generation. His legacy is not measured in his accomplishments, but in the lives he touched and the respect he inspired. The music he played continues to echo, never-ending.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starkfamilyfh.com.
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