In Memoriam – Russell Adams King
Russ King, 96, of Manlius, NY, died at home on April 25, 2025. He was born in Syracuse, NY, on April 22, 1929, to Harry and Gladys (Adams) King. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Sarah Anne King in 1987 and the love of his life, his best friend, and wife of 60 years, Joan (Jiggy) in 2012.
At age 17, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve while a student at Nottingham High School. This would lead to a four-year service as a Naval officer from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War.
Russ pursued a career in architecture inspired by his father, Harry, and grandfather, Melvin King, principals of King + King Architects. Russ graduated from Syracuse University School of Architecture in 1952. Russ and Jiggy met at Syracuse University in 1950 and were married in June 1952.
Russ rejoined King + King Architects and became a principal in 1959. He was the principal architect on several regional landmarks including Bird Library and the Physics Building at Syracuse University. He was the managing partner/CEO for 35 years and retired in 1992. He transferred the leadership to sons Jim and Pete and new partners Dave Johnson and Kirk Narburgh.
He gave generously of his time and resources in support of many charitable and civic organizations including Trustee of the YWCA and YMCA, past president of the Elmcrest Children’s Center, Cazenovia Ski Club, and Onondaga Golf and Country Club.
He started skiing as a youth in Syracuse on old World War II skis and boots at Drumlins Ski Area. He became a member of the Cazenovia Ski Club in 1960 with his family and joined the National Ski patrol at Caz in 1974 with his youngest son, John, a few years after his two oldest sons joined in 1970. He patrolled into his mid-80s, until the toboggan handling became a bit too much, then joined the NSP as an Alumni Member. He instilled a love for all things outdoors in his children and grandchildren and one of his favorites was to ski with his family, and he did just that until he was 93 years old.
Russ and Jiggy treasured their family above all else and enjoyed life to the fullest. They loved to travel and did so across the United States and many other parts of the world. One cherished tradition was to accompany their grandchildren on trips to any world location that each dreamed.
Russ and Jiggy’s large extended family will truly miss their beloved “Bampa” and “Old Bampa.” Russ is survived by children Jim (Kris), Pete (Kathleen), John (Gretchen) and Nancy (Jason) Bellush, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Central New York Community Foundation to honor Russ and Jiggy’s legacy of generosity. Click Donate Now www.cnycf.org or by check to 431 East Fayette St. Syracuse, NY 13202.
