John Theodore King III ’40

Johnny ("Jack" was the nickname that stuck) died Nov. 2, 2001, in Baltimore from complications of pneumonia.

Jack prepared at Boys Latin and Gilman Schools. At Princeton he was on the wrestling and lacrosse teams, joined Charter Club, and majored in psychology.

Jack was a decorated WWII veteran of the D-Day Invasion. Balkoski's Beyond the Beachhead contains an interview with Capt. Jack. He equates the crossing of the Vire River and the seizing of the village of Auville with the Charge of the Light Brigade. Jack had his men form a single skirmish line to wade the 80-yard river into machine gun fire. Jack was seriously wounded and after recovery, he was promoted to major to fight again.

In 1947 he joined what was to become Baltimore Gas and Electric for a lifelong career as an executive. He was active on many civic and church boards.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; a son, John; a daughter, Elizabeth Leighton King Wheeler; a sister, Virginia King Whittlesey; two brothers, James '47 and (Dr.) Joseph '41; three grandchildren, and two stepgrandchildren. To them his classmates extend their sincere condolences.

The Class of 1940