James Allen King , 86, of Center, passed away Thursday, September 26, 2024, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler officiating.  Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in San Augustine.

Born November 10, 1937, in Pineland, James is the son of James E. King and Arminda Trower King.  He graduated from Pineland High School in 1955 and went on to further his education at Texas A&M University.  He graduated from there in 1959.  James retired as an Assistant Deputy Commissioner from Texas MHMR after 29 years.  He was a member of Texas Baptist Men's Group, with whom he traveled as a volunteer builder across the United States and Canada building churches.  James was also a member of a Masonic Lodge in Austin and Northwest Baptist Church in Austin, where he served as a deacon.  He was most recently a member of Ephesus Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school.  His hobbies included traveling, playing 42, watching Texas A&M football, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam and husband Mike Furlow of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Taylor and husband Tony McGee of Shelbyville, Allen Weeks and Christian Clark of Shelbyville, and Logan Furlow of Nacogdoches; great grandchildren, Bella McGee and Ava McGee both of Shelbyville; brothers-in-law, Joe Taylor and wife Jeane of Shelbyville, Paul Taylor and wife Cathy of Shelbyville, Monte Taylor and wife Donna of San Augustine, Roger Wagstaff of Shelbyville, and Wallace Chance of San Augustine; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie Taylor King; parents, James E. King and Arminda Trower King; great grandchild, William Rhett McGee; and sisters, Bobbie Rugg, Lois Burleson, and Marilyn King.

Pallbearers will be Jared Hargrove, Michael Bill Taylor, Justin Wagstaff, Jake Wagstaff, Bryar Wagstaff, Blake Deal, and Blane Deal.