William James King

William James King passed away at the age of 65 on December 27, 2018 surrounded by his family. Bill was above all a loyal and loving father, grandfather, husband and friend. He had an unwavering confident spirit of positivity. He was an ever-inspiring, reliably non-judgmental gentleman, with a twinkle of humor to put the whole of a situation into a manageable package. 

Born on January 12, 1953, the son of James and Elizabeth King, Bill lived his childhood in Whitefish Bay, WI. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met his perfect match, Mary.  He later went on to earn his MBA from the University of Minnesota. Bill’s first professional position was as a CPA at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell in downtown Minneapolis. He went on to be the CFO at American Sharecom, followed by Executive Vice President at Simon Ventures, working with longtime friends and his business partner of nearly 40 years. 

Bill looked out for his family, steadily and faithfully: he could be counted on for anything and did so cheerfully. He liked to sit up straight and walk tall. He chose to be the best kind of person, and was inspirational, like a cool calm ripple. Having the blessing of three daughters, he was an intentional model for them in his belief in the strength and independence of women. His wisdom, unconditional love, guidance and humor fortified every facet of their lives. He had an enthusiastic interest in sports, particularly women’s basketball. He coached countless basketball and softball teams for his daughters. Bill loved carpentry, often envisioning the design of his next project; then building it with “speed and alacrity.” He enjoyed world travels, the theater, and was a man of diverse interests and knowledge. A life-long learner, he had a genuine mix of thoughtfulness, understanding, natural instinct and intelligence that allowed him to know something about most everything. Bill’s grandchildren loved their G-Pop. He was their role model and “hero of fun,” taking them everywhere on “excellent adventures.” His spirit will live on in them. 

Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary; daughters: Kathryn, Andrea, Emily; sons-in-law: Joseph, Blaine, Christopher; grandchildren: Evelyn, Charles William, Mary Rose, Violet, Ivy, Olivia; sisters: Mary, Nancy, Angie.

Bill dealt with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with the same strength, optimism, determination, courage and honesty as he led his life. We are forever grateful for the vibrancy of his enduring love. Memorials preferred to the William and Mary King Benefit Memorial Fund.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 14 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 155 County Road 24, Wayzata MN. Visitation at 10 AM, mass at 11 AM. Luncheon to follow at church. 

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