Mr. John L. King, Jr.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, John Leslie King, Jr. began his beautiful journey as the son of Reverend John L. King, Sr. and Pamela Tolds on January 2, 1982. John completed his primary and secondary eduation in Missouri City, Texas, where he went on to graduate from Willowridge High School in the year of 2000.

Since the age of 11, Robert (Bobby) and John spent countless hours together; one the teacher, the other the student. This motivated him into his life's journey of musicianship. After high school, John attended Texas Souther University where he would join "The Ocean of Soul" Marching Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, TV and Film. Throughout his life, John utilized his talents in this industry. Upon his transition, he was employed as a Photojournalist at KHOU -11 in Houston, Texas.

Wearing many hats, both civic and socially, John was a member of Esquire (high school), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, and Masonic Lodge. John was also a faithful member and drummer at Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church (Beaumont, TX), under the leadership of Dr. Delbert A. Mack, Sr. He was also the former Youth Choir drummer for Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church.

As as Houston-based percussionist, John was a powerhouse of rhythmic innovation, blending a deep sense of groove and feeling into every performance. in his younger years, John was a student at the Bubba Thomas Summer Jazz Workshop, where he performed with Kirk Whalum and Marion Meadows. Known as "Chunky", a name given to him by the Funk Train Drum Line, John was a renowned artist in his learned craft. He performed with some of the most distingushed musicians known to Houston to include Joe Carmouche, Kyle Turner, Al Campbell and the Conrad Johnson Orchestra. John's talent was cultivated by his mentors Tracy Shivers, Darryl Singleton, Sam Dinkins and the late greats Ronald Thorton and Ms. T. Hill. Johns' talent, charm and God's favor also afforded him the admirable opportunity to perform with the great Kirk Whalum, George Duke and The Barkays.

Early December 2025, John was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that rapidly worsened. Fighting until the very end, John "Chunky" King would succumb his illness on December 29, 2025 at the tender of age of 43. To cherish his life and legacy, he leaves his biological father, Rev. John L. King, Sr., his mother and father, Pamela and Robert Tolds, III; his brother Robert Tolds, IV (Jennifer); his niece and nephew, Skylar and Jaise Tolds; his step-sister, Megan Haywood; his beloved partner who truly loved him, Andrea Pitre; his aunts, Denise (Joe) Woodson (Dion and Javonte) and Candy Johnson; his uncles, Eddie Johnson (Evertt and Elisabeth) and Kenneth (Thelma) Johnson and great-uncle, Ernest Nichols of Detroit, MI (Raymond Nichols); god-daughter, Charlynn Brown and a host of cousins, friends, and extended family who will miss him dearly.

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