Florida State University Athletics
Jim King Bio
6/17/2014 12:00:00 PM | General
In 1978, Charlie Barnes was hired by the Seminole Boosters to help expand new booster clubs outside of the Tallahassee area. Around that same time, prominent businessman Jim King was taking over the chairman post of the Seminole Booster Club in Jacksonville. Little did Barnes know at that time the impact King would have on the future and growth of the Booster and Seminole Clubs. Jim King graduated from Boca Ciega High School in St. Petersburg. He received his AA degree from St. Petersburg Junior College before heading to Florida State and earning his bachelor’s degree and MBA. King served in the Coast Guard and worked for Proctor and Gamble before starting King Companies, a personnel recruiting and temporary help service. King went from very humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Jacksonville. In 1986, he was elected to the legislature where he served 12 years. In 1999, he was elected to the Florida Senate, a post he continues to serve today. Currently the Senate President, one of King’s most notable achievements in his political career was the passage of the Death with Dignity Act. He has consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 Most Effective Legislators in Florida and has received numerous awards for civic and charitable contributions.