Julia King-Smith, 77, Fort Myers, Fla., passed away on Nov. 28, 2022, from polycystic kidney disease and the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian. Julia was born in Goshen Indiana, the fourth daughter of Winifred O’Connor and Howard H Keim.
She is survived by sisters Nancy Lengel of McPherson, Kan., and Lois Keim of Albuquerque, N.M. Oldest sister, Rowan Dagget, died in 2015. Also surviving are son Bradley King (Jenelle), grandchildren Matthew (Brittany), Amanda, and Rachel, and great-grandson Hunter King, all of North Carolina. One niece and three nephews and their families survive her.
Julia graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria, Ill., and attended McPherson College, Kansas, where she met and married Larry King (deceased), father of son Brad.
After graduating with an MA in psychology from Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, Julia held administrative positions in Peoria working with multi-handicapped individuals.
Later she worked as an administrator for nursing homes in Oregon, Colorado, and Indiana. Julia returned to Indiana and soon met her longtime partner and special love, James Guy, in 2005. They retired together to Fort Myers, Fla. Julia loved Jim, her son, her grandchildren, great-grandchild, and Bear, the cat.
Julia also loved Ireland, football, and her many friends. Julia had a special affinity for Colorado’s San Luis Valley and its people, mountains, and spirituality. She was employed by Conejos County as a case manager for Home and Community Based Services. She became a Reiki master, practicing and teaching this healing discipline for many years.
Those who knew Julia loved her quick-witted Irish humor, her fierce determination, her loyalty, and her generous spirit.
A memorial service is planned in Fort Myers on Jan. 30 after her snowbird friends, whom Julia dearly loved, return to their Fort Myers community.
In lieu of flowers, Julia would ask those who are interested and able to make a donation to Heifer International at: www.heifer.org.
Julia’s father was a dear friend of Dan West, founder of Heifer, and was also committed to the reduction of global poverty. Julia often proudly told of the heifers donated by her own family during times of great need following World War II.
