Born in Melbourne, Florida, King attended Appalachian State University from 1968-1972 where he wrestled and earned All-American status at the National NAIA tournament in 1971. He served as head wrestling coach at Prattville High, Alabama in 1973 and coached wrestling at Orange High School from 1974 to1990.  King’s Orange teams amassed a dual a record of 125-28,  won sectional tournaments in 1978 and 1982, and had two individual state champions. He was named the North Carolina Wrestling USA Man-of-the-Year in 1999 and directed the Orange High/Jim King Invitational Wrestling Tournament from 1975-2006. King was one of the architects who combined all three state tournaments into one venue in the 1990’s and was tournament director for the NC High School State Tournaments until 2003.  From 1979-2003, King was Athletic Director at Orange.   He was named regional Athletic Director-of-the-Year in 1999, and was named North Carolina Alliance of Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Athletic Director of the Year in 2001.