J Paul King's Obituary
J Paul King, 87, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born on February 10, 1938, in Campbellsville, Kentucky to Leonard and Georgia Beatrice (Baldwin) King, J Paul grew up with a passion for sports and involvement in his church. His family was part of the Church of God movement (Anderson, IN) for many years. A proud graduate of Campbellsville High School’s Class of 1956, he pursued higher education at Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1960. He later continued his studies at Michigan State University, where he obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Education in 1968. J Paul made Michigan his home in 1961, where he built a life filled with family, coaching, and mentorship. On February 27, 1999, he married Dawn Suchecki, in Spring Lake, Michigan. Together, they shared 26 years of love, laughter, and a passion for golf, family and church. A dedicated and accomplished coach, J Paul began his coaching career at Perry High School, compiling a two-year record of 43-2, followed by six years at Flint Ainsworth High School, where he led his teams to multiple championships and a compiled record of 85-26. His coaching legacy continued at Muskegon Community College, where he started in 1969, guiding his players to numerous regional and state victories. He later transitioned into leadership roles at MCC, serving as the Athletic Director before becoming the Associate Dean of Students in 1978. He retired in 1993, leaving behind a lasting impact on the institution and its students. Beyond his career, J Paul was a man of many interests. An avid fisherman and golfer, he found joy in perfecting his swing and sharing his love for the game with others. A devoted Michigan State fan, he proudly cheered on the Spartans in basketball and football every season. J Paul cherished time spent with his beloved wife, Dawn, his family, and his extended circle of loved ones and friends. He will be remembered for his unwavering determination, strong spirit, and boundless love for those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn King; two children, Timothy (Kim) King and Tamara (Lee) True; three stepchildren, Gayle (Mark) Austin, Guy (Christine) Suchecki and Brett (Tricia) Suchecki; four grandchildren, Stacy (Cory) Nelson, Becky (Dante) Rodriguez, Parker Schwerin and Evie Schwerin; four step grandchildren, Trevor (Tori Gifford) Austin, Bryce Austin, Hannah (Kenneth Horjus) Suchecki and Addison (Nathan) Graveling; four great-grandchildren, Kailey Nelson, Emily Nelson, Miguel Rodriguez and Abby Rodriguez; three step great-grandchildren, Isabella Gesiakowski, Emma Austin and Sarah Graveling; nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randall Emerson King; and step great-grandson, Jameson Graveling. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. A visitation with the family will be held from 2:00-3:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in J Paul’s honor can be directed to the Muskegon Community College Scholarship Fund. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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