Cover photo for James "Jim" King's Obituary
James "Jim" King Profile Photo
1948 James 2020

James "Jim" King

July 17, 1948 — July 23, 2020

James “Jim” King passed away peacefully with his daughter, son-in-law, and brother by his side on July 23 2020, six days after his 72nd birthday. The cause of his death was bladder cancer. Jim, the son of the late Lowell and Doris King, was a Colorado native and lifelong resident.

Jim grew up in Denver and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked for several years at Hewlett Packard before starting law school at the University of Colorado.

Jim was one of the preeminent experts on mining and natural resources law in Colorado. He was a lawyer for over 40 years and a major figure in the Colorado legal community. He served on the Colorado Bar Association’s Title Standards Committee and in various leadership roles, including President, for the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation. Jim loved sharing his knowledge of mining law and was also an adjunct teacher at the University of Denver Law School. He was known throughout his career for his mentorship and wisdom. His legacy will be continued by the numerous lawyers he influenced during his career.

Jim was a devoted and beloved father; his daughter, Laura, was the center of his life. He never missed an opportunity to show how proud he was of her. Jim came to every one of Laura’s rec league basketball games and school plays and hosted myriad birthday parties. Jim and Laura shared a special bond and love of road trips. Laura has many fond memories of trips to national parks and the Colorado Rockies. Jim was Laura’s source of wisdom and strength and she will always remember his pragmatic and calming advice and his reminders to “take things one day at a time.” Laura and her husband Ravi are incredibly grateful to have been able to celebrate and share special memories with Jim at their wedding celebrations in Atlanta and India prior to his illness. With him through the last six months of his life, Laura and Ravi will forever be thankful that Jim trusted them to care for him at the end of his life.

Jim loved being in the mountains and enjoyed spending time at his mountain cabin in Frisco. He loved Colorado and was an avid Colorado history buff. Jim also loved mining and railroad history and took trips across the United States, including Alaska, to explore historic mining sites.

Jim was known for his intelligence, wit, and dry sense of humor. Up until the very end of his life, he kept those around him laughing and on their toes. Jim kept a cherished close group of family, friends, and colleagues for whom he would readily do anything.

Jim is survived and much loved by his daughter Laura King, son-in-law Ravi Mangal, brother Robert “Bob” King, sister-in-law Rose-Mary King, nephew Adam King and his family and many cousins, along with countless friends and colleagues. They will miss him dearly.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will postpone a large celebration of Jim’s life until next year, when we can safely gather. A small, private memorial will be held August 1, 2020 in South Denver. Jim will be buried at the Frisco cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s honor can be made to History Colorado and the Jim King Scholarship Fund through the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.

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