Alfonza “Jimmy” King Sr.

Alfonza “Jimmy” King, Sr., 76, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on February 25, 2022. Jimmy was youngest of 13 siblings born to Vernon King, Sr. and Melvinia Brown, in Marshall, TX on May 24, 1945.

After graduating high school in Texas, Jimmy moved to Kansas City in 1964 and was a commercial truck driver for REA Railway Express on Pershing Road. He married Betty Jo King.  Jimmy had 4 children and was an engaged and loving father.

He loved to play Blackjack and was a local golf legend. Jimmy competed at the state level, placing second, only four strokes behind the winner. Jimmy later fell just short of qualifying for the PGA Tour in the 1970’s, finishing a mere 9-over par in the third of a four-round tournament. With that score, Jimmy was out of contention for one of the top 15 spots needed to advance. Among those top 15: Ben Crenshaw, who at the time played on University of Texas’ golf team and would go on to win the Masters in 1984 and 1995.

Jimmy never did secure a card on the tour, nor did he ever qualify for a U.S. Open, or become a club professional, but Jimmy became a golf celebrity at most local courses, including Swope Park. He quickly developed a local reputation, often giving tips to the Kansas City Chiefs players from the 1970 Super Bowl championship team — people like the late Buck Buchanan and former Chiefs assistant coach, Emmitt Thomas. He was a regular, playing well into his 70s and 80s.

He was preceded into death by his parents Vernon King, Sr. Melvinia King; and 8 siblings. 

Left to cherish Jimmy’s memory are his children, Anita Downing of Kansas City, MO; Andre Brown of Colorado Springs, CO and Alfonza King, Jr., of Colorado Springs, CO; and Charise King, of Maricopa, AZ; sisters, Juanita Clarke, Elenor Goode, and Ruth Roberson, all of Kansas City, MO; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

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