Created: 7/27/2009 10:02:51 AM 
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A disclaimer here. I have not only covered Jim King in politics for twenty years, I consider him a friend. I would say that for me, his death is personal. But as I think about it, Jim was a friend to practically everyone he touched. His death is personal to all of us who benefitted from his love for northeast Florida.
I was digging through all of the archives of Jim King video, trying to find the sound and pictures that best capture this larger than life icon who has served our community for so many years.
I came across a video that was released as a congratulations to King when he became the President of the Florida Senate in 2002. This is the Jim King I will always remember, a strong committed public servant, who put everyone at ease with his humor, put fairness before politics, adored his Florida State Seminoles, and simply loved life.
After he was introduced as the new Senate President, his statement about self perception is one that continues to resonate.
"I hope that my being here sends a signal to everyone who isn't picture perfect in stature. I'd like them to know that it is self perception that really counts. Some may look at me and see Jackie Gleason. I look at me and see Sean Connery."
As he spoke the words he looked to the audience to his wife Linda, the woman he called his rock.
My thoughts and prayers are with her and their children today as they mourn the loss of this radiant man.
©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
