People of Lincoln: Dr. Jim King
Teenage Passion Becomes Retirement Pastime For Dr. Jim King
By Randy Bretz
Did you ever sing the song The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round? How about the Alphabet Song? Just thinking about them brings back some fun memories, doesn’t it? Dr. Jim King has been helping children in and around Lincoln make some great memories with his musical performances. And, along the way, he’s entertained his share of adults, too.
Jim retired from the University of Nebraska after more than 20 years teaching leadership and communication skills. As a child growing up in Seymour, Indiana, Jim saved coins to purchase a plastic ukulele, then a wooden ukulele, and then a baritone ukulele. (He still has them.) Eventually, Jim was able to pick up a guitar, and over the years, he’s accumulated banjos, more guitars, and other string instruments.
Jim’s wife, Mary, suggested he put his love of fun music into practice by entertaining her elementary school classes. So, as retirement approached, he decided to put together some programs designed to make memories and have fun along the way.
“Kids need something to do when they’re singing along, so I’ve added a number of percussion noise makers,” Jim said. “It gets them involved, helps them learn the beat of the music, and it’s a whole lot of fun.”
When I asked him for one of his favorite stories, Jim immediately talked about a little boy and the Alphabet Song. “I was at SouthPointe playing and a man and his young son came by and requested a song. He said the Alphabet Song, so we sang it.” I could sense Jim’s excitement as he told me this story. “Then I challenged everyone to sing the song backwards. You know, starting with Z. Well, that little boy turned around—facing backwards, get it? So, we all turned around and sang the song backwards, three-year-old backwards.”
You don’t have to be a child to enjoy Jim’s songs. He’s entertained adults in offices and other places. Hey, maybe when you turn 65 or 70 or 75, invite Jim to add some fun to your party. Dr. Jim King—doing what he can to bring joy into our community.
Randy Bretz is well past 55, and he enjoys life as a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, storyteller, author, professor, communicator, and civic activist.