ORBITUARY: James Edward King, 53, of Allenport, was called home to rest after a lingering illness on Thursday, May 10, 2003. He was born Oct. 11, 1949, in McKeesport, a son of Beulah King of Allenport and the late Robert Thomas Jr. and stepson of the late Henry King. He was a graduate of California Area High School and attended California University of Pennsylvania. In his early years, he was a Golden Gloves boxer. He loved and enjoyed music as he was a member of several bands, including James King and the Usual Suspects and the James King Band. He was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Donora. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include one son, Kris Miller of Library; three brothers, Alvin E. King of Allenport, Willie Robert Thomas of Tennessee, Craig Thomas of Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Eileen Tracz of Syracuse, N.Y.; one aunt; three uncles; and numerous cousins and a host of friends. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in St. Paul Baptist Church, McKean Ave., Donora, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dennis Garner officiating. Interment will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. BEVERLY C. DRAPER FUNERAL HOME, Monessen, is in charge of the arrangements.

Listen to songs from James King and the Usual Suspects