Jimmy King, 78, of Cleburne, Texas, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, a family who loved him dearly, and a host of friends.

Jimmy was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on December 7, 1947, to James Clinton Jr. and Lidy Rossi Brown. He was an intelligent, creative, and spirited child, especially loved by his grandmother, Lidy. In 1952, his mother, Lidy, married Travis Andrew King Sr., and Jimmy became part of a new family.

Because of Travis's work with the State Department, Jimmy spent part of his childhood overseas, including seven years in Guatemala and time in Vietnam. Guatemala remained special to him. Nearly 50 years later, he returned with his wife and was delighted to reconnect with childhood friends who were still living in the same home.

Jimmy loved adventure. His dad, Travis, gave him his first motorcycle, which ignited a lifelong love of riding. As a young man, he raced motocross and brought home several first-place trophies. He enjoyed motorcycle trips, skiing, painting motorcycles, building dune buggies, and taking things apart just to see how they worked.

In 1976, Jimmy married Becky McCarty, the love of his life and settled in Cleburne, where they spent the next 50 years building their home and raising their family. Jimmy worked for many years with his good friend, Leroy, at Cleburne Muffler Shop as a talented welder, and later as a machinist for his brother-in-law at Hundley Hydraulic.

Jimmy could fix anything. And if he could not fix it, he had an opinion about how somebody else should. Jimmy was a fun-loving father who loved his children deeply and would do anything for them. He and his oldest son, Casey, shared a special bond through riding four-wheelers, skiing, traveling, and simply enjoying adventures together. He passed down his analytical way of thinking and artistic talent to his daughter, Ginny. While she was in college studying architecture, he would drive to Arlington and help with her architecture models when she was overwhelmed. His youngest son, Paul, shared his love of motorcycles and tinkering. Paul learned from his dad by watching him, working alongside him in his workshop, and listening to his stories. Those lessons and the time they shared will stay with him, always.

Jimmy loved to travel and had a special connection to Italy. True to form, he even learned some Italian before going. One of his most memorable experiences was a recent Viking cruise through France.

Being Poppi was one of Jimmy's greatest joys. He had a nickname for every grandchild and loved getting down on the floor to play motorcycles, games, or whatever they wanted. When his granddaughter Sally was about a year and a half old, Jimmy was the only person she would let hold her. He treasured that. He made several trips to Minnesota each year to see his grandchildren, despite absolutely hating the cold. The weather did not matter when it meant seeing his family.

Jimmy loved making people laugh. He was sarcastic, quick with a comeback, and loved getting a rise out of people. He teased often, but underneath it was a very big heart. He was also always willing to help. He might complain about it, and there would be a "Jimmy" comment or two, but he would show up.

Jimmy lived a full and interesting life as a husband, dad, Poppi, brother, uncle, friend, craftsman, traveler, motorcycle rider, and joker.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Lidy King, James Clinton Brown Jr.; and his brother, Damon King.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Becky King; sons, Casey King of Burleson and Paul King of Cleburne; daughter, Ginny Jaeger and husband Andrew of Andover, Minnesota; grandchildren, Julia, Jack, Sally, and Clark; brother, Travis King Jr. and wife Donna of Fort Worth; sisters, M Cherie Hundley and husband Craig of Grandview; Cindy Clark and husband Mike of Victoria; nieces Nicole Castillo and husband Adrian of Grandview, Tia Beckerich and husband Kameron of Fort Worth, and Sophie King and fiancé Jake Schuller of Austin; nephews Christopher Clark and wife Sarah of Austin and Stephen Clark of New Braunfels along with extended family and many dear friends who were fortunate enough to know him and love him.

Funeral services for Jimmy King will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Cleburne, with Pastor Wayne Walters officiating. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church Cleburne.

Jimmy will be missed more than words can say. His family and friends will carry his stories, laughter, teasing, and countless memories of him for years to come.