Dr. James Craig King Jr.

James Craig King, Jr. is survived by his wife Rita Elizabeth King, of 46 years; his children, Christina Anne Wertman, Ashley Lianne King, and Bradley Scott King; his grandchildren, Caetano Damasceno King, and Finley James King; his brother David King, and sister Lara King, and stepmother Joan King; and many cherished brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces.

Jim was an incredibly caring and selfless person who loved nothing more to share his passions with the world. Whether it was his love of sports and games, his passion for eradicating infectious diseases, his love of nature, or his desire to fix things, Jim was always ready to talk or help a friend in need.

Jim was born in Chicago, Il on October 10, 1954 and went to high school in Syracuse NY, where he lived with his mother Dr. Marcia J. King. Jim was a rambunctious boy, and even played for his high school volleyball team. After high school, he went to the University of Maryland and studied pre-med and zoology. While in College Park, Jim really bonded with his two younger siblings, David and Lara. He would often recount fond memories of playing with them and giving them “homework” to do while he studied for college. Jim met his beloved wife, Rita, while at UMD after being introduced by a mutual friend. The two were married after graduating college.

He attended medical school at University of Maryland School of Medicine, completed a pediatric residency, and was chief resident of pediatrics. After that he completed an infectious disease fellowship at the University of Maryland. It was during this time he became good friends with a tight group of guys that held a “journal club” every month. It started out as a simple poker game with beer and pizza, but blossomed into lifelong friendships. In fact, this journal club has met every month for over 30 years, gone on countless amazing trips and supported Jim and each other through each life milestone.

In 1985, Jim and Rita moved to Nashville, TN, and he worked at Vanderbilt University. While they were there, they had twin girls, Christina and Ashley. After moving back to the University of Maryland, they had their son, Bradley. Jim loved his kids more than anything. He would do anything for them; he made them wooden toys from scratch, coached their soccer teams, taught them card games and how to ride a bike, and got up early to take each one on adventures before school. He truly enjoyed being a father, and couldn’t have been prouder.

Jim worked at the University of Maryland as the Director of the Pediatric Outpatient Department, and later finished his career at BARDA. His research on the influenza vaccine was always his pride and joy, leading him to publish it in the New England Journal of Medicine and to present at the WHO in Switzerland. Jim always had a passion for learning, research, and science which was just as infectious as the diseases he studied.

Jim loved spending time with friends and family. He loved to travel the world with his wife, to cook for his buddies, watch Ravens football, spend time in any  body of water, and sing any song lyric remotely related to the situation at hand.

For though they may be parted,

There is still a chance that they will see

There will be an answer, let it be.

We love you Jim.