James Dennis King

James Dennis "Denny" King, age 76, of Kansas City, MO passed away in the comfort of his home with his family around him on September 19 after a long and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Denny was born on September 22, 1942 in Kansas City, MO, to his parents, James Wilbur and Clara Frances (Meiners) King. Denny was one of two sons, along with his beloved older brother, Gerald (Jerry). Denny graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1959 and attended Kansas City Business College. It was in 1965 that he met the love of his life, Teresa Monica Schmitz, at the Redemptorist Catholic Church social club. They were married in 1967 and spent 52 amazing years together.
Denny began his career in the printing industry at Allied Litho and served as a pressman for 13 years. Following that, he pursued entrepreneurial endeavors and had ownership interests in multiple drive-in franchises with Sonic Industries nationally. He was an accomplished sales professional at various companies including Wayne Paper and International Paper Company before his retirement in 2000. While at Wayne Paper, Denny was a multi-year sales award winner and received awards such as "Salesman of the Year" and "Presidents Club" including 1986, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
Denny served in the Air Force National Guard for six years and, later, as a volunteer Deputy for the Jackson County Sherriffs Department.
Denny was an avid bowler, fisherman, golfer and sailor and enjoyed sharing his expertise and love of golf and sailing with family and friends. Many friendships were formed and happy memories made sailing at Lake Perry where Denny did not know a stranger and would be frequently found grilling dinner on the docks for fellow sailors (there was always enough food for everyone). He enjoyed spending time with his large extended family. Many summer holidays were spent at the Lake of Ozarks where his brother Jerry would open his home to both families for summer fun, fishing, exuberant card games, and water sports. Denny was close with his first cousins from the Frank Meiners family, many of whom also had lake houses and would frequently visit or host parties to add to the fun.
Denny was devoted to his Catholic Faith and Church and was a member of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church for 50 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Fourth Degree Knight. Denny and Teresa passed along their strong Catholic faith to their family and sent all five of their children to St. John Francis Regis Catholic School and Archbishop OHara High School and have been a strong supporter of Catholic education over the years. He enjoyed supporting St. Regis and OHara athletics and was an enthusiastic fan at the many basketball, volleyball, cross country, gymnastics, and drill team events. Denny was also a member of the "Strategy" Monday Night Football club for many years where he enjoyed hosting and cooking for the men of the parish.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara and survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Teresa; his children Monica Marie Cornwall (Steve), Matthew Joseph King, Renee Elizabeth Coughlin (Richard), Ann-Marie Frances Hernandez (Eric), Meghan Lynn Frye (John "Corey"); five beloved grandchildren Nathan, Brandon, Benjamin, Evalyn and Carter; his beloved brother, Gerald W. "Jerry" King; as well as many dear family and friends.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to those who aided in his care, including the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Crossroads Hospice and the many parishioners from St. Regis for their prayers and support.
The rosary will be prayed at 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 24rd at St. John Francis Regis Church, 8941 James A Reed Rd., KCMO followed by visitation until 8:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 25th at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Francis Regis Church. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Denny may be made to St. Regis Academy. Condolences may be expressed to the family, and photos viewed at www.MuehlebachChapel.com.