Stephen J. King was born on November 5, 1947, in Caliente, Nevada, Lincoln County. His early years were defined by resilience and quiet strength after a life-altering accident at just 18 months old. During this incident, Stephen sustained severe injuries when he accidentally grabbed an electric heater at a mining camp, resulting in near-fatal electrocution and extensive burns. He spent about a year in and out of Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, undergoing numerous surgeries and skin grafts. His sister fondly recalls playing outside with him during this period when he always had one hand free while the other was sewn to his stomach for grafting. Although these procedures helped regenerate skin over his arms and hands, they left lasting scars across his stomach. Stephen’s medical journey continued for several summers as he returned to the hospital for additional surgeries and treatments throughout grade school.

As Stephen grew, he faced a crucial decision when advised to undergo surgery that would transfer ligaments from his legs to his arms in hopes of improving their function. He declined, reasoning that while he currently had two bad arms and two good legs, the surgery would still leave him with two bad arms and newly impaired legs as well. This choice proved pivotal, allowing him to maintain his mobility and become a high school track star—his record in hurdles at Kettle Falls High School still stands as a testament to his unwavering spirit.

Stephen’s childhood was filled with frequent moves, shaped by his father, James Bascom King Jr.’s, work in mining. The family lived in Bristol Silver, Nevada, until 1951, then relocated to Prince, Nevada, until 1954. Their journey continued to Draggerton, UT, for a year, followed by five years in Moab, UT, and then to Silver City, New Mexico. Despite these transitions and ongoing medical challenges, Stephen adapted, made friends, and developed a determined spirit. No matter the difficulties, he had a way of accepting challenges and finding joy despite them.

The summer of 1961 marked a turning point when Stephen’s grandfather purchased a farm in Rice, WA. Stephen spent summers there, working alongside his grandfather and learning the rhythms of farm life. These times were filled with cherished memories, especially riding horses across the range with his grandfather—moments that stayed with him throughout his life. In 1964, Stephen’s family moved to Rice permanently, where he would establish deep roots and spend the majority of his life.

Stephen graduated from Kettle Falls High School in 1966. After high school, he attended the University of Washington and moved into a houseboat with a roommate. Their carefree lifestyle, marked by incessant partying, led Stephen to neglect his classes, resulting in failed courses and his eventual dismissal. This was a significant disappointment to his father and grandfather, who had high expectations for him. Learning from this experience, Stephen transferred to Central Washington University, where he redirected his focus and committed to his studies, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1970.

Stephen married Lyndia on September 6, 1975, after a chance meeting that hinted at the humor and light-heartedness that would come to define their relationship. Stephen was out driving a tractor, cutting hay behind the house where Lyndia and her family were staying. As her and her sister sat on a nearby fence watching him work, Lyndia couldn’t help but notice the lines in the field becoming increasingly crooked as Stephen stole glances at them. After finishing haying for the day, Lyndia and several family members walked over and introduced themselves. This simple, playful encounter blossomed into a brief courtship, culminating in their marriage.

Their 49-year marriage was marked by moments of shared joy and significant challenges.They experienced the profound loss of their first son, Dustin James King, who was stillborn in 1978, but found renewed happiness with the births of Benjamin James King in 1979 and Christopher Jack King in 1981. Stephen's strong personality and habits often tested Lyndia’s patience. He wasn’t always easy to live with; he would come into the house with muddy boots, leaving trails of dirt and hay behind him. Despite these quirks, Stephen loved Lyndia deeply, and she, in turn, tolerated him. Their relationship was defined not by grand displays of affection but by hard work and mutual understanding. Their home, while imperfect, was built on resilience and quiet support.

As his sons grew, Stephen’s pride in them was evident, though not always outwardly shown. He valued their achievements, from their work on the farm to their personal and professional successes. When Ben married Amber, Steven and Lyndia welcomed four grandchildren into their life—Jeremy, Kristen, Heidi, and Ian—who brought them much joy. Although Stephen took on the role of grandfather with a reserved nature, his affection for them was shown through his actions. His most cherished memories were attending the many birthdays, school concerts, and plays of his grandchildren over the years. He especially enjoyed attending Jeremy’s wedding, a moment that reflected the legacy he and Lyndia had built. Though Stephen knew he would not witness future milestones like the birth of a great-grandchild or Kristen’s graduation, he faced this reality with peace, finding comfort in the life he had lived.

Stephen’s life was characterized by his relentless work ethic and adaptability. He excelled in various roles, showcasing his resourcefulness and dedication. He worked as a bookkeeper for the Stevens County Road Department, where his precise and efficient reporting earned respect. His colleague, Philip Johnson, remarked that Stephen was the best bookkeeper they had, unmatched even after the adoption of computerized systems.

Stephen eventually stepped away from accounting to help his father manage the family dairy farm, devoting countless hours to the demanding work. When the dairy operation ended, Stephen transitioned to cattle ranching, demonstrating his deep-rooted commitment to the land and a touch of stubborn determination. His favorite hobby was figuring out how to use baling twine to fix everything and anything he could. In later years, he worked as a heavy equipment operator in the logging industry, valued for his practical skills and steady reliability. After retiring from logging, Stephen quietly served as a substitute teacher, contributing to his community.

Stephen’s ability to adapt and succeed in different roles spoke to his resilience. He was a model of hard work and quiet determination, serving as a steady figure of support for his family. His legacy is defined by resilience, quiet sacrifice, and a life devoted to ensuring stability and well-being for those he loved.

Stephen found joy in simple pastimes. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, drawing on fond memories of riding with his grandfather and chasing cows on the farm. He was also an avid sports fan who loved watching football, baseball, and basketball, often slipping away during gatherings to catch an update of a game on the radio.

Stephen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming more active in his faith as he grew older. During his younger years, church attendance was sporadic, often overshadowed by the relentless demands of running the farm and dairy. Despite the challenges, Stephen made efforts to set an example for his sons by taking them to church when they were young. However, the weight of responsibilities and exhaustion made it difficult to maintain this commitment, and over time, his dedication waned.

It wasn't until his son Ben began attending church regularly with his wife that Stephen found a renewed sense of purpose in his faith. Inspired by Ben’s example, Stephen began attending church more faithfully and devoted time to prayer and reading his scriptures. This revival in his spiritual life eventually led him to attend the temple, an experience that brought him deep gratitude and renewed blessings. While Stephen cherished this reconnection with his faith, he often expressed regret for not having made more of an effort earlier in life. He wished he had embraced these commitments sooner, feeling the weight of missed opportunities but appreciating the strength he found in his later years.

Stephen was also a Freemason in the Kettle Falls Masonic Lodge, following in the footsteps of his father, VWor Bro James King, PDDGM of Kettle Falls. Stephen’s involvement in the lodge spanned decades, reflecting his commitment to the values of brotherhood, service, and personal integrity. Much like his father, Stephen embraced the principles of Freemasonry, quietly giving back to the community through volunteer work and acts of service. Though he did not seek recognition for his efforts, those who knew him were aware of his steady contributions and the sense of duty that drove him. His long-standing involvement in the Masonic Lodge became another testament to his dedication to supporting those around him and upholding the traditions of service instilled by his family.

One of Stephen’s most selfless acts was caring for his dying father. For months, he lived with and served him, offering unwavering love and support until James passed away. This act of devotion was a testament to Stephen’s deep-rooted loyalty and the kind of man he was—always there when it mattered most.

Stephen’s life was marked by resilience, a steadfast commitment to family, and a sense of humor that persisted through challenges. He faced difficulties with determination, often accompanied by a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye. He embraced teasing and being teased, taking it all in good humor.

In the final months of his life, Stephen faced declining health with the same quiet strength that had defined him. Surrounded by his family, he found peace and comfort in their presence. His enduring love for them was evident, even in his last days, through cherished memories, heartfelt words, and moments that left a lasting impression.

Stephen was predeceased by his parents, James Bascom King Jr. (died 2017) and Ina Irene Cox (died 2013), and his son, Dustin. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lyndia; his sons Benjamin (Amber) and Christopher; his sisters Iris Miller (Jonn) and Nancy Williams (Bill); and his four beloved grandchildren.

Stephen J. King will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM at the Mountain View I.O.O.F Cemetery in Rice, WA on November 25, 2024.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 12:00-2:00 PM in Colville, WA to following the graveside services the same day. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/stephen-james-king/obituary/

Copy