John Alan King

John A. King died in the early morning hours of November 10, 2020. John, Dad, Uncle John, JAK and perhaps, most notably, “Grumpy,” was born in New Rochelle, NY on December 27, 1955. Second son of Dr. James C. and Mary H. King, John was born premature and was subject to countless blood transfusions as an infant. The doctors said he was unlikely to experience any substantial mental development.
John met his eventual bride, Maria Victoria Espina, in Bethesda, MD in the early 1970’s. Thankfully, she forgave him for trying to street race on their first date. They never left each other’s side and enjoyed 44 wonderful years of marriage. John and Vickie cruised the world, drove cross county with their children and nieces, Stephanie and Lauren, and have countless adventures on their resume. John loved a good book and never turned down a cold one or a trip to La Mexicana for Keno.
John had a larger than life personality. He valued family, friends, education, loyalty and hard work. John lived his life to the fullest with integrity, good will, justice and generosity. John was always there to lend an ear and was never shy to give an opinion or advice.
John welcomed everyone into his home, whether it be for lunch, dinner, a night of drinks and darts or a place to establish a permanent residence.
John lived in cities such as Des Plains, Il, Bethesda, MD, San Francisco, CA, Philadelphia, PA, the territory of Guam and the countries of Guatemala and Columbia. At the age of 12, John went to boarding school in England where he had incredible adventures such as flying, joyriding, rugby and shooting. It is there that he credits he developed his ability to write effectively and with eloquence. In England, he got to spend much time with his grandfather, Oliver, and always spoke fondly of their time together, whether it be at his house or the local pub. Upon his return to the United States at the age of 16, John enrolled at American University. Being in England for four years, John knew little about colleges in the U.S. and since Georgetown and George Washington had accepted him without a summer school prerequisite, he assumed AU was the best and most challenging of the universities. John completed his undergraduate degree in 3 years while working nights at a UPS distribution center and as a janitor. He then enrolled at Temple University Law School to pursue his Law Degree. After one too many apartment break-ins, John, at the command of his new bride, Vickie, finished his final two semesters at Georgetown University as a visiting student. John began practicing law at the age of 22 and reached partner at a medium sized law firm in the metro D.C. area in his mid-20’s, but eventually started King and Attridge with his partner, Pat, in the early 90’s. King and Attridge allowed him to be free from the confines of a suburban Washington, D.C. partnership. He often humbly referred to himself as an AV Preeminent “Hick” Rockville lawyer. His indelible image will be missed at the beloved Anderson House where he would spend his days either working or playing poker and cribbage on the back porch, regardless of the weather conditions.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Vickie, sons, John C. (Mary), Paul and, daughter, Jennifer (Ryan Foy), as well as his quasi-adopted daughters, Ana Zuck and Alexandra Espina, his mother Mary H. King of Florida, brothers James King of Florida and Jeffrey King of Virginia. He also leaves behind his ever-adoring grandsons, Oliver and Brayden. The list of Godchildren is exhaustive as is the surviving nieces, nephews and their respective children.
Our love for John is eternal and boundless, just as the legacy he leaves behind.
The family will communicate information regarding a memorial service which will occur post-COVID.