Dr. Joe R. King, Jr. June 4,1947- July 19, 2026

“Dr. Joe King was the kindest man I ever knew”

is a continual refrain spoken by countless people.

Joe Raymond King, Jr. 79, passed from this world on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at his home in Junction, Texas. Joe was born on June 4, 1947, in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Edgewood, TX with his father, Joe R. King, Sr and mother, Eva Daphine Wortman. Joe served in the U.S. Navy 1968-1971 in the Naval submarine intelligence unit. His father, Joe King Sr, served U.S. Army during WWII and was a POW for 3.5 years in the Philippines and survived the Bataan Death March. Joe Sr. provided a steady presence as a motivating force for his son, Joe.

Joe R. King, Jr. was a highly educated man, having graduated from Dallas Baptist College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Theology. He attended Texas A&M Veterinary College before transferring to the University of Juarez, MX where he completed his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and later taught for ten years at the University in the School of Public Health. His goal had been to become a veterinary missionary in Ethiopia however, God had other plans. With his Spanish language skills, Joe was hired to work in environmental sciences at Camino Real Landfill in Sunland Park, NM. where he became president. Joe was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Mexico Solid Waste Association of North America – Roadrunner Chapter. Joe became a Registered Environmental Manager in 1998. He also earned a Master of Business degree in accounting, studied at Harvard University in Boston and earned a doctorate in Naturopathy through Phoenix College. Joe incorporated his understanding of the natural, spiritual and practical application of medicine and our world in a unique way. He authored a book, Animals – God’s Faithful Servants using the scriptures to show the connection of animals with God.

In 1999, Joe bought property in Junction and in 2007 moved to Junction and opened King Care Pet Center where he served Kimble County people and their pets until retiring in August 2025, following a sudden illness. Joe married Jeanie Brosius King on February 1, 2012, in Junction. Joe and Jeanie opened Junction Rivers Winery in 2011 until 2015. They later renovated the winery as their home in 2022.

Joe pastored many churches including First Baptist Church in Van Horn, TX where he established a vibrant “River Ministry” serving the native Indians in Chihuahua, MX along with a team of doctors, dentists, engineers and other professionals. This ministry operated a fleet of airplanes and helicopters. Locally, Joe was instrumental in building Kimble County Hospital following the death of his wife, Janice Glasscock King in 2009. Joe also served on many boards and was president of Rotary where he won the Paul Allen Award.

Joe passed away at home on July 19, 2026 attended by his wife, Jeanie King and her son, Michael Clements. Joe is survived by his sister, Deby Dearman and husband Kirk, Franklin, TN and their two children, Liberty Monroe and Kristin Oakerson and 9 grandchildren. Joe is also survived by two sons, Jeremy King and Jonathan King of Herriman, UT. Jonathan King and wife Phoebe have two sons, Colton and Carter. Joe had two stepsons, Jay Glasscock (wife Brandy) Sonora Texas and children, Savannah Glasscock, son, Austin Glasscock (wife Francis) and Michael Clements (wife Paula) Santa Fe. Texas. Michael has two sons, Holden Bellamy and Zane Clements. Joe had 15 great-grandchildren.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DR. JOE R. KING, JR. will be celebrated on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at First Methodist Church, 902 Main Street, Junction TX. at 1pm with a military honor guard present. Service is followed by a luncheon at the church.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider a donation to S.C.A.R.F., The Sam Coffey Animal Rescue Foundation as Joe donated his time training rescued and abandoned dogs to assist in their adoption.

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076