Holmes County Mourns Longtime Commissioner Jim King, Reflects On Legacy

Former Holmes County Commissioner Jim King, who represented District 1 from 2000 to 2012, died on November 26 at age 79. On December 12 local residents, former colleagues, and community leaders gathered to remember a public servant known for kindness, steady leadership, and a longstanding presence in county affairs.

King served three terms on the Board of County Commissioners and was widely credited with connecting to residents across the county whether in the commission chambers or out in the community. He built a successful trucking business before entering public office and was remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Friends and neighbors recalled his warmth, generosity, and unmistakable laughter as hallmarks of his public life.

He often shared a personal motto that guided his approach to public service and private life. "Do good and good will follow; do bad and you will be sad," the community said he lived by. Colleagues pointed to infrastructure and civic investments that advanced during his tenure, including the construction of a new jail and a new county library as examples of the practical outcomes of commission work in that period.

Former Holmes County Commissioner Howard Owens, who served with King, recalled their early relationship and the bond formed in office. "I didn’t know Jim well until we were elected together, but it didn’t take long for us to become lifelong friends," Owens said. Owens also emphasized King’s character and approach to public life. "Jim was a public servant from the very beginning and a man of his word. He lived by the Golden Rule, treating everyone with kindness, fairness, and respect. He made people feel valued, whether he was in the commission chambers or just talking with neighbors. Our community is better today because of Jim’s steady leadership and his genuine heart for people. It was an honor to serve with him, and an even greater honor to call him my friend."

King’s passing was described as a profound loss for his family and for the county. His career offers a reminder of how personal values and long term service shape local institutions and public resources. As Holmes County moves forward, the community will carry forward the projects and civic relationships established during his terms, and local leaders may point to his example when discussing stewardship of county priorities.