01/30/2026
SKY KING of TAVARES
Did you know Tavares once had its very own Sky King? I’m not talking about the 1951-1962 television series starring Kirby Grant, but rather Jack Worth King, Jr. (1929-2016), a beloved Tavares native-son who earned his Sky King moniker likely because of the similarities in his personality to the popular TV Sky King. Our Tavares native-son’s surname, of course, surely played a role in him becoming known as Sky King as well.
The first topic of our new Lake County History Roundtable clan, a group of history-loving friends who love to discuss history, we learned a lot about Jack King, Jr. thanks to Charter member Bob Grenier. King, Jr., born July 20, 1929, certainly earned a place in the Lake County History Hall of Fame - if only there was such a place to recognize remarkable Lake Countians throughout of yesteryear!
Jack graduated from Tavares High School in 1948. After serving in the Navy, he then began his career in law enforcement, serving as a Eustis Police Officer prior to being a Florida Highway Patrolman for 29 years. During this latter tenure Jack became “Chief Pilot” for the Highway Patrol, a title no doubt leading to his Sky King moniker. Upon graduating from the FBI Academy, Jack was made a "Special Investigator" prior to his retirement in 1983.
Now, as if such an esteemed career was not enough, there's more!
Jack King, Jr. was not simply defined by his exemplary career in law enforcement. “He excelled at working with his hands,” said his 2016 obituary, being the “owner-operator of King Machine & Marine of Tavares.” In addition to building high-performance automotive engines, Jack’s interest as an aviator also led him to building two (2) acrobatic planes called “Pitts Special.”
Jack’s civic-minded duty was no doubt inspired by his parents. Jack Worth King, Sr. was for 27 years the Tavares Depot Agent. He died in 1955. Jack King Junior’s mother, Marie Cox, came to town in 1923 as a “Home Demonstrator.” In addition to raising a son, Marie operated the historic Tavares Inn on Rockingham Avenue, was active in the 4H Club, and was a dynamic member of both the Ocklawaha Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution and Tavares Women’s Club. In fact, she has been described as “one of the most active women in the city,” Marie Cox King died in 1981. After beginning with a little history on Sky King of Tavares, we then moved on to other topics during our 90 minute roundtable, but I think for the moment, Jack King, Jr. is more than deserving of this spotlight post about a great Lake Countian.
