James "Jim" Quinten King

James Q. King, born September 30, 1929 in Seattle, Washington, was the second of three children of James E. and Eulalie M. King. His parents and two sisters, Frances and Carole, as well as his step-brother, Bill Monger, preceded him death. He grew up in the north end of Seattle, Washington and attended Lincoln High School. In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and served two years. One of the rare people who didn't go to work for Boeing during the era, he worked as an auto mechanic until entering the Seattle Fire Department in 1950. He earned promotions through the years to Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Deputy Chief, and was Assistant Chief of the Department at the time he was retired in 1975, due to cardiovascular disease. He had the rare opportunity to serve in all divisions of the Department; administration, combat, alarm, fire prevention, and training, as well as being part of the creation of the Medic One Program. While still active, he was elected as the first president of the SFD Officers Association, formed to address the concerns of the various supervisory ranks within the Department. Upon retirement, he joined the Retired Firefighters of Washington. Elected president of the RFFOW in 1991, he served almost ten years, working with members of the fire service throughout the State of Washington. Contact with state officials and legislators, plus service as a member of the Advisory Committee to the Department of Retirement Systems kept him active throughout the 90's. As a member of the Seattle Retired Firefighters' Travel Club, and with a career army officer for a son, he and Betty had many opportunities to travel and see the marvels of this country, as well as exciting foreign lands. Jim was also a member of the Doric Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Maltese Club of Masonic Firefighters. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Betty (Mary Elizabeth Yatsunoff); son, Dion Joseph; daughter-in-law, Noreen and three grandchildren, Jamie Marie, Jacob Joseph and Joshua Michael. Jim is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He marveled often, in his senior years, at the rare good fortune of having a beautiful family, a great career and a life that made each and every day such a remarkable pleasure for him. In addition to Jim's funeral service in Michigan, a memorial service will be held in Seattle, Washington at a later date.

James "Jim" Quinten King

September 30, 1929 - February 17, 2010